Get Involved: What You Can Do

Whether you're going on an exotic, outdoorsy vacation or going about your daily routine, there are countless things you can do to help ensure that our oceans are healthy. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Respect Wildlife

View wildlife from a distance for your safety and its protection, and don't disturb it, whether you're on land or in a boat. Leave your pets at home when you're visiting a wild habitat. Don't try to attract wild animals, either by calling to them or by feeding them. Dispose of trash properly so that wild animals aren't injured by man-made items. Respect wildlife both on land and, should you dive, underwater.

Protect Habitats

On land, stay on trails, and if you're boating, avoid running aground or dropping anchor on a reef. If you're a diver, choose an environmentally aware dive operator, and don't touch marine life ‑- it's fragile. Practice the "no-take" philosophy whenever you dive.

Be a Smart Consumer

Remember the "three Rs" mantra: reduce, reuse and recycle. Avoid items contained in a lot of packaging, and buy biodegradable and recyclable items. Conserve water and recycle glass, paper, plastic and aluminum. Make eco-friendly food choices about the seafood you eat by checking sources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Pocket Watch Guide (at mbayaq.org) to learn which are the smart environmental choices in your favorite restaurant and grocery store.
Don't buy shark souvenirs or items made of coral, like coral necklaces. When you vacation, support sound eco-tourism.

Conserve Energy

By reducing your contribution to carbon emissions, you can conserve energy and reduce your "footprint." This includes turning off lights when you don't need them, replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, driving less and driving a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Volunteer Your Time

There are countless ways in which you can volunteer your time to help protect marine mammals, coral reefs and the world's oceans. For example, you can join the International Coastal Cleanup, which is held in hundreds of locations across the United States and around the globe each September. And check out our links to learn more about other organizations and their work.

Stay Informed

Check out these links to learn more about species that are at risk and to learn where you can volunteer and where you can find the latest news about the world's oceans.