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Day 131- Because this is important

Day 131

Today is my last day diving! I originally was not supposed to dive today however as it is worlds ocean day I could not pass up the opportunity to take part in a clean up dive. 

The dive was organised in partnership with Gili Eco Trust with the objective being to try and collect as much plastic and waste from the ocean as possible.

For years we have been ruining our oceans by carelessly disposing of waste in ways in which they end up in the ocean. The plastics in the ocean is a particular problem. Plastic is not biodegradable and contains a lot of hazardous properties. This is then ingested by the marine life. This threatens the existence of marine life under water in many ways. It is predicted that around 100,000 marine mammals are killed each year due to plastic ingestion, this includes turtles, whales and sharks. It is not only waste that is ingested but plastic nets can also tangle marine mammals causing them to be injured so that they can no longer hunt. 

The more time I spend diving the more heartbreaking it is. We are privileged to be able to be in an environment with so much diversity and beautiful creatures that allow us to visit them in their natural habitat. When diving you can really appreciate how beautiful these creatures and environments are. The bright corals and small fish that call these ecosystems home are some of the most stunning things I have ever seen. 

The ocean is a beautiful place which is somewhere as humans we are guilty of ruining. Even if it is unintentional. But what can we do? This is a question often thrown about. The first thing we need to do is to look at our lifestyles and make changes. WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. Say no to the plastic bag and carry a fabric one at all times. Use reusable water bottles or at least the same plastic bottle more than once. Say no to plastic straws. Try and only eat sustainably sourced marine food. Make sure we don’t leave waste on beaches. Finally, just be more aware. There are so many ways that we can reduce plastic usage and all it takes is 15 minutes of research and reading online. We need to realise that we are not the only species that matters on this planet. We are not more important then some of the most mbeautiful and graceful creatures. Just because we have a 
voice doesn’t mean that we should ignore those that don’t. So here is what I ask, please educate yourselves, please make some small changes and please help to make sure that the beauty I see on every dive is there for others to enjoy in years to come.












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