As we learn more about the ocean and how we can better protect it, it becomes increasingly important for us to take matters into our own hands.
Read on for four ways to learn more about our oceans and how we can support them.
Take note of the fish you’re eating
Most of us are familiar with checking our canned tuna for the dolphin friendly label, which makes sure that the tuna caught is done so without harming any other species in the ocean. However, we can do so much more than this. Whenever buying fish, be it at a supermarket or in a restaurant, make sure to only choose fish that are proved sustainable by the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) list. In recent times, it’s become even easier to check which fish are okay to consume, with the SASSI information now available for download on smartphones. This app is free on iOS and Android, and helps you check the sustainability of fish in real time. Download it here.
Educate yourself on marine life, and why it’s so important
It’s not to say that we haven’t been interested in conserving our sharks before, but the recent outpouring of support through a single Airbnb Online Experience has shown that people all over the world want to learn about these creatures and how to protect them. Justin Blake, shark scientist and founder of The RockHopper Fund, an organisation that raises funds for shark conservation, started his Online Experience when COVID-19 hit. What he could have never imagined was it becoming the #1 Wildlife Experience in the world. In his famous Experience, guests learn how science and technology is used to uncover the secret lives of sharks, and Justin shares some of his favourite stories, images and videos taken by himself and his team. Money from the bookings is directly donated to RockHopper and the conservation of sharks. If you’d like to learn more, you can book the Experience here.
Show your support when shopping
Taking action doesn’t mean you have to spend loads of money to make a difference. Actually, you don’t have to spend any money at all. Signing up for South Africa’s leading community loyalty programme – MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet will help you give back to the causes closest to you. They have various organisations that protect our oceans and marine life. To support causes like these and many more, join MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet by visiting myschool.co.za or downloading the app and choosing your beneficiaries. Every time you shop at one of their retail partners, including Woolworths, Engen, Loot.co.za, Bidvest Waltons, Builders, and others, a portion of your spend will be given to a school or cause of your choice – at no additional cost to you.
Give the gift of safer oceans
If you are looking for a conscious gift, or just want to give back to a worthy cause, consider purchasing a Relate bracelet. Relate is a 100% not-for-profit organisation that employs previously disadvantaged people from low-income communities to make bracelets in aid of various causes. In relation to our oceans, they have an Endangered Wildlife Trust Ocean Project bracelet. Available online or at selected retail partners, the money raised goes directly to the causes. So far, Relate has raised over R2 million for this particular cause. Get one of your own for only R35 at www.relate.org.za.