Oceans encompass over 75% of the earth's surface and impact many more spheres than one might assume. Around 3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Life on land is heavily influenced by life below water. Let be aware of the threats that marine life faces, and how we can overcome them.

Big threats to life below water:

• Overfishing and unsustainable aquaculture: Up to 53% of reported catch comes from illegal, unreported, or uncontrolled fishing. If left unchecked, fish farming may and has resulted in increased pollution and a lack of species diversification.
• Climate change and acidification: Since the 1970s, the oceans have absorbed about 93% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently,  oceans are becoming more warmer, acidic, and less oxygenated.
• Pollution and plastics: Plastic contamination in the marine food chain has a trickle-down effect, endangering fish and shellfish for human consumption.
• Nutrient runoff, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals: Low oxygen levels in water, as well as deformation, cancer, and reproductive failure, have all been linked to these pollutants. They have a direct impact on marine life and an indirect impact on people.

What can we do?

• Use sustainable aquaculture: Aquaculture may be beneficial to marine ecosystems, create very little waste, and encourage species diversification when properly controlled.
• Promote alternatives to plastics and work to remove the plastic that is currently polluting our oceans: Change our daily habits to not use plastic when there is a better option and only use it when really necessary.
• Find alternatives to toxic compounds: We, as individuals, can take actions by signaling to our governments and industries that certain chemicals should have no place in the future.