MARINE CONSERVATION HISTORY

Marine conservation is a relatively new concept, having come to be in the 70s. It began in an era known as the marine revolution where people began to be more aware of their impact on aquatic life and how it would, in turn, affect their lives. Many nations were quick to come up with measures to protect the aquatic environment, hoping that they could reverse most of the negative impacts that they had had on marine life. One such nation is the USA. Legislations came up, and through them, national bodies were able to come up with marine estuaries as well as protected areas. In these sections, scientists, as well as other involved professionals, were able to study various species, their population and how best they could manage the numbers for the betterment of aquatic life.

Towards the mid of the 70s, the bodies were at it again, this time coming up with an international program that provided for the conservation of aquatic life through international agreements. Many countries came together to put an end to pollution in the oceans as well as means to regulate fishing and other activities which were fast posing a threat to aquatic life. Many people expressed an interest in joining the NGOs that were quickly coming into the picture, on having seen the importance of such efforts and realizing that they too could have a hand in the change.

The various organizations that came up all had the same goal in mind, which is the conservation of the aquatic environment, but they chose to go about achieving this aim in different ways. This increased interest in marine life led to the development of undersea exploring technology which allowed people to have a clear understanding of what marine life was all about and to witness the beauty that lay under the water. The more that people explored the sea, the more they understood what impact the sea life had on their lives. Over time, the focus shifted from conserving what was available to the restoration of what was in the environment, long before human activities threatened aquatic life.

Today, many groups involved in such efforts seek to spread awareness on the importance of protecting aquatic life as they show people how they can have an impact on this sensitive issue. These societies also deal with the increased threats on the environment, including overfishing, overabundance, pollution, and many other present problems. Let’s take a look at one such organization and how it, in its many ways, has impacted aquatic protection efforts over time.

The Marine Conservation Society

This group, abbreviated as the MCS, is a show of how hard work and persistence can bear good fruits. It is a fact that a river does not cut through rock owing to its strength, but rather, due to its perseverance and such societies are proof that a drop in the ocean can make all the difference.

Back when awareness efforts started in the 70s, many scientists were fast to come up with means that could help people explore the undersea, through the invention of various technologies. This group was one of the many which expressed an interest in having a say in the efforts, and it adopted its current name in 1983, having received lots of support from key members of the society including HRH The Prince of Wales.

The society deals with the protection of wildlife, dealing with sewage problems, and helping the public become more aware of their impact. It also works to change the mindsets of people in the industry and the government, so that they can also be of help to the society’s mission.

The group currently boasts of more than ten thousand supporters who enable the society to grow, through donations, membership fees, and enrolling in various schemes such as the turtle adoption program. There are thousands of volunteers who work on getting rid of marine litter and keeping the beaches clean each year.

Thanks to the group’s efforts, many people have become aware of how they can reduce pollution in the sea, how they can take part in the various wildlife protection programs and encourage sustainable seafood as well as spread the message through educating others on the same.

The Importance

When you consider the fact that our planet is 71% water, you begin to realize the importance of having clean oceans and sustainable food programs. With climate change, acidification, sedimentation, and other issues threatening to wipe out aquatic life, it is necessary that we have measures in place to protect the sea and the species in it. It is only through such efforts that the subsequent humankind generations can survive. And it all begins with you, as all the societies in this field will show you. So, start today by spreading the word and protecting the sea in any manner which you can. Joining a marine conservation society is one way to get started on this fulfilling journey.

Our Blog

Saving wild ocean places, for us and future generations

Endangered Ocean Species and Marine Animals

Our eco-system works that animals and plants comprise a web, in which all species depend on each other...Read More

A blog post by Laneg G. Deleon Lane G. Deleon

Human Impacts on Marine Environments

Human beings have for long relied on the sea for many reasons including as a source of food, for recreati...Read More

A blog post by Laneg G. Deleon Lane G. Deleon

Corals and Coral Reefs

Of all marine ecosystems across the globe, coral reefs are the most diverse, earning them the name the rain...Read More

A blog post by Laneg G. Deleon Lane G. Deleon