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Ocean pollution in Singapore is a big problem,because it can hurt marine life, coral reefs, and many other things, about 930,000 tonnes have into the ocean around Singapore. Some things that cause this are waste from factories, oil spills, etc. But don’t worry! there are many ways to stop this! If we all take part in stopping ocean pollution we can finish what we started!We our padlet for some ways to stop ocean pollution

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Indonesian activist worried about ocean plastic pollution so they builded a museum with 10,000 discarded plastic bags, straws, bottles and single use food packaging. All of the the plastic items were fished out of local rivers and beaches. Inside the museum have thousands of plastic bottles dangling over them as they enter the museum. In the middle of the museum there is a statue of Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity who is worshiped by the Javanese. Her skirt is made of plastic food and drink packaging.

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Indonesia is one of the largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution. Indonesia is the second largest plastic after China. 1.29 million tons of plastic in a year ends up in the ocean. There is an overconsumption of single use plastic and bad waste management in Indonesia. Indonesia is aiming to spend $1 billion dollars to cut off the plastic pollution by 70%.

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The ocean pollution in the UAE is caused by overfishing. The UAE has very limited natural groundwater and freshwater resources and rule in particular limit groundwater use. The average possession owner - over sopping plants by 38 percent.

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"5 Marine Animals in Danger from Ocean Pollution." Camp Live Oak, 28Apr. 2016, www.campliveoakfl.com/5-marine-animals-in-danger-from-ocean-pollution/. ! Webpage author X"100+ Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts (2019)." Condor Ferries, 2019,www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts.! Webpage author XAvakian, Megan. "New Study Finds Ocean Pollution a Threat to HumanHealth." Global Environmental Health Newsletter, 22 Feb. 2021, www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2021/2/articles/new _study_finds_ocean pollution_a_threat_to_human h ealth.cfm.Brucker, Drew. "30 Ocean Pollution Facts That Will Blow Your Mind |Rubicon Blog." Rubicon: Waste, Recycling, and Smart City Technology Company, 9 Oct. 2017, www.rubicon.com/blog/ocean-pollution-facts/.Denchak, Melissa. "Ocean Pollution: The Dirty Facts." NRDC, 7 June 2022, www.rdc.org/stories/ocean-pollution-dirty-facts."Marine Pollution." One Ocean, 2019,www.oceanprotect.org/resources/issue-briefs/marine-pollution/.! Webpage author XNOAA. "Ocean Pollution and Marine Debris." Www.noaa.gov, U.S.Department of Commerce, 1 Apr. 2020,www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-pollution."Ocean Pollution: 11 Facts You Need to Know." Www.conservation.org, www.conservation.org/stories/ocean-pollution-facts.! Webpage author X ! Date published XReddy, Simon. "Plastic Pollution Affects Sea Life throughout the Ocean." Pewtrusts.org, The Pew Charitable Trusts, 24 Sept. 2018,www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2018/09/24/plastic-pollution-affects-sea-life-throughout-the-ocean.Stanley, Morgan. "Marine Pollution | National Geographic Society."National Geographic, 20 May 2022,education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/.

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"5 Marine Animals in Danger from Ocean Pollution." Camp Live Oak, 28Apr. 2016, www.campliveoakfl.com/5-marine-animals-in-danger-from-ocean-pollution/. ! Webpage author X"100+ Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts (2019)." Condor Ferries, 2019,www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts.! Webpage author XAvakian, Megan. "New Study Finds Ocean Pollution a Threat to HumanHealth." Global Environmental Health Newsletter, 22 Feb. 2021, www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2021/2/articles/new _study_finds_ocean pollution_a_threat_to_human h ealth.cfm.Brucker, Drew. "30 Ocean Pollution Facts That Will Blow Your Mind |Rubicon Blog." Rubicon: Waste, Recycling, and Smart City Technology Company, 9 Oct. 2017, www.rubicon.com/blog/ocean-pollution-facts/.Denchak, Melissa. "Ocean Pollution: The Dirty Facts." NRDC, 7 June 2022, www.rdc.org/stories/ocean-pollution-dirty-facts."Marine Pollution." One Ocean, 2019,www.oceanprotect.org/resources/issue-briefs/marine-pollution/.! Webpage author XNOAA. "Ocean Pollution and Marine Debris." Www.noaa.gov, U.S.Department of Commerce, 1 Apr. 2020,www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-pollution."Ocean Pollution: 11 Facts You Need to Know." Www.conservation.org, www.conservation.org/stories/ocean-pollution-facts.! Webpage author X ! Date published XReddy, Simon. "Plastic Pollution Affects Sea Life throughout the Ocean." Pewtrusts.org, The Pew Charitable Trusts, 24 Sept. 2018,www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2018/09/24/plastic-pollution-affects-sea-life-throughout-the-ocean.Stanley, Morgan. "Marine Pollution | National Geographic Society."National Geographic, 20 May 2022,education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/.

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Water Pollution in UAE - Ambassador report - Our Actions - Tunza Eco Generation

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Water is essential for all biological and industrial processes, and no living being (animal or plant) can survive without water. It is the most essential component in the structure of the cell. Water is either mediator, catalyst, or an input/output in the chemical reactions in bodies of living beings. Water Pollution thus directly affects all living beings including humans.

Sources of water contamination

Water is contaminated when its natural features are changed or spoiled due to being exposed to chemical, physical or bacteriological contaminants. In this case, it becomes unfit for human beings, animals, plants or aquatic life. Some common sources of water pollution are:

1. Rain Water Contamination due to air pollution

2. Sewage and Waste Water

3. Industrial waste and effluents

4. Oil Spills

5. Eutrophication due to run off of chemical fertilizers into ground water

http://en.envirocitiesmag.com/articles/water-is-life/water-pollution.php

Though a desert region, UAE has a long sea coast with sandy beaches. There negligible rain water contamination in UAE as air pollution is controlled with strict regulations and monitoring of vehicles and industries. Sewage and Waste Treatment plants duly take care of waste from homes and commercial areas. Industrial waste is also managed and treated according to regulations. Oil spills from ships etc and Eutrophication through farming is also monitored and controlled adequately. Furthermore, the government exercises a strict control on the quality of drinking water.

However there are still instances of water pollution that come to light and these are promptly dealt with.

UAE coasts are rife with mangroves. There have been various instances of these mangroves being polluted with litter. The same was the case with some public beeches. This is being controlled through imposing fines and penalties, as also through nation-wide clean up and awareness campaigns to educate the masses.

Late in 2016, scientists at UAE University had discovered that some metals were several times more common in water samples collected from coastal areas close to Mussaffah Industrial area, as compared with those taken from farther away. This indicated some industrial effluent discharge. To combat such cases, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) collects and tests seawater and sediment samples on a monthly basis from industrial areas as well as public beaches.

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/mussaffah-industry-waste-polluting-uaes-waters-study-shows

Plastic junk is littering the UAE's waters and killing its marine life. Aluminium cans, plastic bottles and paper plates are also a familiar sight on sea beaches. "For a lot of people, they see that the sea looks clean on the surface, but the debris is actually underwater, where it has the most negative impact," as quoted by Kathleen Russell, committee coordinator for Emirates Diving Association (EDA). Ms. Russel has been working with the Abu Dhabi's environment agency (EAD) for the last decade to bring awareness about marine litter - a problem she described as being emirate-wide. Together, they have held several underwater clean-up campaigns. "Taking divers down and doing clean-ups reiterates why we need to be responsible for our actions and really identify where the debris is coming from," she said in a report in The National.
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/waste-is-menace-to-uae-marine-life-say-experts
Plastic pollution is also a cause of frequent concern causing damage to fish from tiny pieces of plastic pollution clogging the oceans. Micro-plastic particles measuring no more than 5mm come from large plastic waste that has fragmented into smaller pieces or from manufactured plastics of microscopic size, such as micro-beads in products such as facial soap and toothpaste. The UAE government has employed various sewage and waste water treatment plants. However the micro-beads are small enough to pass through municipality filtration systems. These petrochemical beads are ingested by marine life causing, more so if they are micro-plastics. They can then end up on our plates when we eat seafood.

USA, UK and Canada have regulations with respect of use of micro-beads in consumer products, but UAE as yet has no legislation governing the use of micro-beads.
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/uae-school-project-puts-spotlight-on-microbeads-in-everyday-products
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/science/oceanic-plastic-pollution-hurts-fishs-breeding-and-self-protection-ability

According to researchers, physical deformities found in sharks common to the waters off Abu Dhabi could be an indicator of increased pollution in the Arabian Gulf. According to a report in The National, Dr Alec Moore, Indian Ocean vice chairman of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, said that while abnormalities naturally occur, they also raised questions. "Even without humans around, the Gulf is naturally a biologically stressful environment because of high temperature and salinity. It is possible that further increases - from climate change, the daily discharges from desalination plants, and the reduction of freshwater river flow - could be biologically harmful," he said.

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/deformities-in-sharks-could-indicate-rise-in-arabian-gulf-pollution

The National had also reported that human activities and pollution are compromising efforts being made to protect and conserve Gulf coastal areas. A report has indicated that despite there being 173 marine protected areas in the Gulf, many are ineffective and offer little protection to the endangered species. Such findings have lead scientists to warn against the disappearance of coral reefs in our lifetime unless action is taken soon. The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) plans to increase the percentage of protected marine areas in the capital to 14 per cent by 2019, in attempts to combat depleting natural habitats and species.

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/special-report-gulf-coasts-require-long-term-protection-efforts-scientists-say

UAE is promoting reduced use of plastic by promoting reusable bags and also by encouraging recycling of bottles and other plastic items. Besides controlling plastic waste, the municipality also acts to halt practice of washing harmful chemicals directing down drain "Most of the illegal discharge of oil that seeps into the sea through sewerage happens at auto workshops, when mechanics carry out oil changes, do not clean up the area properly afterwards, and then drain the residue into drains and manholes," said Khalid Sulaiteen, head of the Environmental Emergency Office (EEO) at Dubai Municipality, according to a report published in Gulf News. Such Illegal car workshops which pump oil into Dubai Creek are being targeted in a municipality crackdown. EEO is the task force behind cleaning up the city's Creek and beaches, which are at times contaminated with oil, chemicals, and solid waste, in addition to contaminants discharged from dhows (Small Arabian Boats) and their engines. The municipality has clear-cut guidelines on how to dump industrial waste and any violators are reprimanded.

http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/environment/illegal-car-workshops-draining-oil-into-dubai-creek-1.1276222

Efforts are also on to ensure that kitchen oil from homes and restaurants is not thrown in drains. It is being converted into biodiesel. My school was also involved in a campaign that collected used kitchen oil from students' homes. This oil was recycled by The Blue Company.

http://www.dpssharjah.com/DPSSharjah/UserSpace/UserName/deepak_b/DynamicFolder/Blue%20Used%20Cooking%20Oil%20Collection%20Campaign/Blue%20Ceremony%20camp%2013%20april%2017.html

All in all, government agencies, waste management agencies and many NGOs in UAE are working towards curbing water pollution and stringent regulations are enforced to control the menace. It is also up to every individual to work towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

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water pollution in uae - ambassador report - our actions - tunza eco generation

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Water Pollution in UAE - Ambassador report - Our Actions - Tunza Eco Generation

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Water is essential for all biological and industrial processes, and no living being (animal or plant) can survive without water. It is the most essential component in the structure of the cell. Water is either mediator, catalyst, or an input/output in the chemical reactions in bodies of living beings.

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Teamwork - work together

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Communication - share ideas

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Kindness - be kind

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Responsible - be responsible

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Respect - respect others Ideas

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Humans have been polluting the ocean for a long time by throwing their waste into it. However, pollution significantly increased during the industrial revolution in the 19th century when factories and power plants began dumping waste into the ocean. The problem became worse in the mid-20th century when plastic was introduced, and it has been a significant concern ever since. Efforts to reduce ocean pollution are ongoing.

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If there were no ocean pollution, the oceans would be cleaner, and marine life would be healthier. People could enjoy cleaner beaches, and the air quality would improve. Sustainable fishing practices would be easier to implement, and it would help to be less harmful climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Ocean pollution creates several problems around the world, such as harming marine life and contaminating seafood that humans consume. It also negatively affects coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism, contributes to climate change, harmful impact on the global economy. Additionally, it endangers the biodiversity of marine ecosystems, which can have serious consequences for the planet's health.

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Entanglement cases have been reported for at least 344 species to date, including all marine turtle species, more than two-thirds of seal species, one-third of whale species, and one-quarter of seabirds. 28 Entanglement by 89 species of fish and 92 species of invertebrates has also been recorded.

There is increasing evidence that microplastic ingestion can affect the consumption of prey, leading to energy depletion, inhibited growth and fertility impacts. When organisms ingest microplastics, it can take up space in the gut and digestive system, leading to reductions in feeding signals. This feeling of fullness can reduce dietary intake.
Evidence of impacts of reduced food consumption include:

slower metabolic rate and survival in Asian green mussels

reduced reproducibility and survival in copepods

reduced growth and development of Daphnia

reduced growth and development of langoustine

reduced energy stores in shore crabs and lugworms

Daphnia : Daphnia are planktonic crustaceans that belong to the Phyllopoda.

Phyllopoda: a group comprising entomostracan crustaceans with leaflike swimming appendages.

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5 other global issues ocean pollution is related to

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5 other global issues ocean pollution is related to

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1. Climate Change: Ocean pollution affects the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

2. Biodiversity Loss: Ocean pollution harms marine life, which can have cascading effects on marine ecosystems and impact human populations that rely on the ocean for resources.

3. Public Health: Ocean pollution can spread waterborne diseases and harm human health if contaminated seafood is consumed.

4. Economic Impacts: Ocean pollution can negatively affect industries that rely on the ocean, such as fisheries and tourism.

5. Social Justice: Ocean pollution can disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, such as low-income communities and communities of color, who may rely on the ocean for their livelihoods or cultural practices.

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Ocean pollution has a big impact on the ocean and marine life. It also impacts humans who consume the fish that eat plastic. Ocean pollution can be caused by littering, not having a good place to put your trash and natural disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes. Most pollution on land ends up in the ocean. A way to help stop ocean pollution is reduce your use of plastic or use reusable bottles, bags, straws and utensils. You can help by conserving water, trying not to pollute, reducing waste, shopping wisely and practice safe boating. Ocean pollution threatens food safety and human health. Overfishing can cause ocean pollution by leaving fishing nets. There is a lot of organizations that help save the ocean the big ocean cleanup, ocean conservancy, oceana, surfrider foundation, 5 gyres, Bahamas plastic movement, marine megafauna foundation, parley for the oceans and marine conservation institution.

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We all know that oxygen and carbon dioxide come from trees right

Did you know that our ocean takes in 25% of carbon dioxide and produces 50% of oxygen!

But the sad thing is that when it takes in oxygen it makes the ocean more acidic which can make marine animals sick like whales, sharks, dolphins, fish, jellyfish, and even coral reefs!
 reefs get damaged?
Coral reefs need clean water to survive so when pollutants enter the ocean they damage the coral reefs so when plastic, metal, and fishing gear get into the ocean and near the coral reefs they can seriously harm them and cause them to die

What do coral reefs do to help us?

Coral reefs have this type of natural barrier that stops storms, sand erosion, and floods, so when these corals die off, the absence of their barrier increases the risk of the earth being full from normal to violent storms.

By Ashvita Sreejith

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Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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Here are 10 simple things you can do at home, around town, on the water, or anywhere!

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7 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution Today

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Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. But, there are many solutions to plastic pollution that you can participate in today. This article covers some of the basic facts about ocean plastic pollution and provides several specific plastic pollution solutions that everyone can take part in.

The Ocean Plastic Pollution Problem

With skyrocketing plastic production, low levels of recycling, and poor waste management, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year-enough to cover every foot of coastline on the planet! And that amount is projected to triple in the next 20 years. Let that sink in for a moment.

In the ocean, plastic pollution impacts sea turtles, whales, seabirds, fish, coral reefs, and countless other marine species and habitats. In fact, scientists estimate that more than half of the world's sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have eaten plastic in their lifetimes. Plastic pollution also mars otherwise beautiful beaches, coastlines, and snorkel and dive sites worldwide, even in remote areas such as Midway Atoll.

One of the reasons that plastic pollution is such a problem is that it doesn't go away: "plastics are forever." Instead, plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-smaller particles, known as microplastics, whose environmental impacts are still being determined.

Plastic Pollution Solutions: 7 Things You Can Do Today

Everyone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use. Here are seven ways you can make a difference, starting today.

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get started is by reducing your own use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded.

The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics that you do not need (e.g. straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with you, reusable versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags. And when you refuse single-use plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer alternatives.

2. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste

As important as it is to change our individual behaviors, such changes alone are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate. There are a variety of ways that you can support local, national, and international legislation that provide critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution. One such effort in the United States is the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis, and there are a number of state level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation that makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life.

At the international level, hundreds of organizations and businesses are calling on the United Nations to enact a global plastics treaty that would set global rules and regulations that would reduce plastic pollution. And legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles, has been successfully enacted in many places globally, and you can support the adoption of such policies in your community too. Here is a comprehensive resource and toolkit on legislative approaches to limiting plastic bags, foodware, microplastics, and more.

3. Recycle Properly

This should go without saying, but when you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be recycled, always be sure to recycle them. At present, just 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide. Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of "new" plastic in circulation. If you need help finding a place to recycle plastic waste near you, check Earth911's recycling directory. It's also important to check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept.

4. Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup

Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in, or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway. This is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution. You can simply go to the beach or waterway and collect plastic waste on your own or with friends or family, or you can join a local organization's cleanup or an international event like the International Coastal Cleanup.

Take Our 7-Day Fight Plastic Waste Challenge

Join the global movement to fight plastic waste with our 7-day challenge. With just a few minutes a day, you'll be on your way to reducing ocean plastic pollution from home.
Take the Challenge

5. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Tiny plastic particles, called " microbeads," have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution in recent years. Microbeads are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and bodywashes, and they readily enter our oceans and waterways through our sewer systems, and affect hundreds of marine species. Avoid products containing plastic microbeads by looking for "polythelene" and "polypropylene" on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products (find a list of products containing microbeads here).

6. Spread the Word

Stay informed on issues related to plastic pollution and help make others aware of the problem. Tell your friends and family about how they can be part of the solution, or host a viewing party for one of the many plastic pollution focused documentaries, like A Plastic Ocean, Garbage Island: An Ocean Full of Plastic, Bag It, Addicted to Plastic, Plasticized, or Garbage Island.

7. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution in a variety of different ways, including Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Algalita, Plastic Soup Foundation, and others. These organizations rely on donations from people like you to continue their important work. Even small donations can make a big difference!

These seven ideas only scratch the surface for ways you can help address the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. The important thing is that we all do something, no matter how small. For more ideas and resources, sign up to join our Blue Habits community of people worldwide committed to joyful daily actions that improve ocean health.

Reduce Plastic Pollution From Home with Our 7-Day Challenge

Join the global movement to fight plastic waste by participating in our 7-day challenge.
Take the Challenge

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7 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution Today

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Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. But, there are many solutions to plastic pollution that you can participate in today. This article covers some of the basic facts about ocean plastic pollution and provides several specific plastic pollution solutions that everyone can take part in.

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What is the biggest source of pollution in the ocean?

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Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land. One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, plus larger sources, such as farms, ranches, and forest areas. Millions of motor vehicle engines drop small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots. Much of this, too, makes its way to the sea.

Some water pollution actually starts as air pollution, which settles into waterways and oceans. Dirt can be a pollutant. Top soil or silt from fields or construction sites can run off into waterways, harming fish and wildlife habitats.

Nonpoint source pollution can make river and ocean water unsafe for humans and wildlife. In some areas, this pollution is so bad that it causes beaches to be closed after rainstorms.

More than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters of the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution.

Correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution is costly. Each year, millions of dollars are spent to restore and protect areas damaged or endangered by nonpoint source pollutants. NOAA works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and other federal and state agencies to develop ways to control nonpoint source pollution. These agencies work together to monitor, assess, and limit nonpoint source pollution that may result naturally and by human actions.

NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program is helping to create special nonpoint source pollution control plans for each coastal state participating in the program. When nonpoint source pollution does cause problems, NOAA scientists help track down the exact causes and find solutions.

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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What is the biggest source of pollution in the ocean?

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Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land. One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, plus larger sources, such as farms, ranches, and forest areas.

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The Role of Waste Management Infrastructure in Preventing Ocean Pollution - Sea Going Green

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The world's oceans are facing a growing threat from pollution caused by human activity. From plastic waste to chemical pollutants, the health of marine life and ecosystems is under threat. However, there are solutions available to mitigate the problem. One of the most significant solutions is through proper waste management infrastructure.

In this article, we will examine the role of waste management infrastructure in preventing ocean pollution, the challenges in implementing waste management programs, the importance of proper medical waste disposal, examples of successful waste management programs, and the role of individuals and businesses in waste management.

Causes of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution is a complex problem with several sources of pollutants. One of the most significant sources of ocean pollution is plastic waste. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, around 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Plastic waste comes from a variety of sources, including plastic bags, straws, bottles, and packaging.

However, plastic waste is not the only pollutant in the ocean. Chemical pollutants such as oil spills, heavy metals, and pesticides are also major contributors to ocean pollution. These pollutants can have serious health consequences for marine life, causing illness, reproductive issues, and death.

The impact of ocean pollution is felt far beyond the ocean's boundaries. Ocean pollution has a significant impact on the environment, economy, and human health. For example, contaminated fish can lead to health issues for people who consume them. Moreover, ocean pollution can impact the tourism industry, which depends heavily on clean beaches and waters.

Waste Management Infrastructure as a Solution to Ocean Pollution

Proper waste management infrastructure is crucial in preventing ocean pollution. Waste management infrastructure includes all the systems and facilities involved in collecting, transporting, processing, and disposing of waste.

The proper management of waste can prevent waste from entering the ocean. For example, waste management programs can reduce plastic waste by encouraging recycling and reducing single-use plastics. Furthermore, waste management programs can prevent chemical pollutants from entering the ocean by ensuring hazardous waste is disposed of correctly.

Challenges in Implementing Waste Management Infrastructure

While waste management infrastructure is crucial in preventing ocean pollution, implementing waste management programs can be challenging. One of the main challenges is the lack of waste management infrastructure in some regions. In developing countries, waste management infrastructure is often inadequate, leading to uncontrolled dumping of waste and increased ocean pollution.

Insufficient funding for waste management programs is another challenge. Waste management infrastructure requires significant investment in facilities, staff, and equipment. However, governments and organizations may be reluctant to invest in waste management infrastructure, seeing it as a low priority.

Another challenge is inadequate public awareness and education on proper waste management. Many people are unaware of the impact of their waste on the environment, and the importance of proper disposal and recycling. Educating the public on the importance of waste management and its impact on the environment can increase participation in waste management programs.

Medical Waste Disposal and Its Impact on Ocean Pollution

Medical waste is hazardous waste that requires special disposal. Medical waste includes items such as needles, syringes, and surgical instruments. Improper medical waste disposal can lead to serious health consequences for people and the environment. Medical waste that is not disposed of correctly can eventually contaminate the ocean, leading to the spread of diseases and toxins.

Best practices for medical waste disposal include proper storage, transportation, and disposal. Healthcare facilities must have appropriate storage facilities for medical waste, and waste should be transported to a licensed facility for disposal. For this, staff must receive training on proper medical waste management to ensure compliance with regulations and minimize the impact of medical waste on the environment.

Examples of Successful Waste Management Infrastructure Programs

There are several examples of successful waste management infrastructure programs worldwide, let's explore two examples of successful waste management programs:

Case Study 1: Waste Management Programs in European Countries

Many European countries have implemented successful waste management programs that have reduced ocean pollution. For example, in Sweden, the government has implemented a system that encourages recycling and waste-to-energy conversion. The country now recycles around 99% of its household waste, and less than 1% of waste ends up in landfills. In The Netherlands, the government has implemented a "circular economy" model that encourages businesses to reduce waste and recycle. As a result, the country has significantly reduced its waste and is on track to be a zero-waste country by 2050.

Case Study 2: Waste Management Programs in Developing Countries

In some developing countries, waste management infrastructure is inadequate, leading to uncontrolled dumping of waste and increased ocean pollution. However, some developing countries have implemented successful waste management programs. For example, in Rwanda, the government has implemented a program that inspires citizens to recycle and compost. The program has led to a significant reduction in waste and increased awareness of the importance of waste management. In India, the government has implemented a nationwide program that encourages waste segregation, recycling and composting. The program has been successful in reducing waste and increasing awareness of waste management.

The Role of Individuals and Businesses in Waste Management

While waste management infrastructure is essential in preventing ocean pollution, individuals and businesses also have a significant role to play. Individuals can reduce waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and by recycling. Furthermore, individuals can participate in community clean-up events to prevent waste from entering the ocean.

Businesses can also play a significant role in waste management. Businesses can reduce waste by implementing sustainable packaging and reducing single-use plastics or by incentivizing employees to reduce waste and participate in waste management programs. Corporate responsibility in waste management is crucial in preventing ocean pollution.

Conclusion

Ocean pollution is a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Proper waste management infrastructure is crucial in preventing ocean pollution. Waste management programs can prevent waste from entering the ocean and reduce the impact of chemical pollutants on the environment. However, implementing waste management infrastructure can be challenging, and more investment is needed in waste management programs. Furthermore, proper medical waste disposal is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and toxins. Successful waste management programs in Europe and developing countries demonstrate that waste management infrastructure can be effective in preventing ocean pollution.

Finally, individuals and businesses have a significant role to play in waste management, and reducing waste at the source is essential in preventing ocean pollution.

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The Role of Waste Management Infrastructure in Preventing Ocean Pollution - Sea Going Green

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The world's oceans are facing a growing threat from pollution caused by human activity. From plastic waste to chemical pollutants, the health of marine life and ecosystems is under threat. However, there are solutions available to mitigate the problem. One of the most significant solutions is through proper waste management infrastructure.

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This week we started discussing the exhibition topic, there were three options I wanted to do ocean pollution, gender equality or music therapy. I got put in a group with Ashvita and Faisal with the t

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Ocean Pollution: How Human Activity Impacts the Oceans

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Ocean pollution comes from many different sources and affects marine environments around the world. This article will explore the main types of ocean pollution and will offer up some solutions on how to meet the challenges presented by these pervasive issues.

What is polluting the ocean?

Perhaps a better word than "what" is polluting the ocean is "who," and the answer is human beings, particularly people from wealthy countries. Oil companies are arguably responsible for the most damage to the ocean through noise, chemical, and plastic pollution. Whether pollution is visible, like the mountains of plastic trash lining beaches in countries around the world, or invisible, humans are responsible for several different methods of polluting the ocean.

Types of Ocean Pollution

There are many types of anthropogenic pollution in the ocean, including chemical, light, noise, and plastic. This section will briefly examine each of these.

Chemical pollution

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute identifies three categories of chemical pollutants: toxic metals, oil, and persistent organic pollutants.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in the oceans include pesticides and herbicides. These compounds are commonly found in plastics used in flame-retardants and adhesives. As their name suggests, these chemicals often take a long time to decompose and can make their way up the trophic levels of marine life. Along the east coast of Canada, beluga whales are often found with high concentrations of POPs stored in their blubber.

Toxic metal pollution includes compounds such as mercury and cadmium, which arrive in the ocean through direct dumping or "upstream" sources like mining operations and waste dumps. Over the last two decades, coal-burning power plants and other industrial activities have caused a 30 percent increase in mercury concentrations in the Pacific Ocean. Mercury is one of many chemicals that can be hazardous to human health, with over 90 percent of mercury exposure occurring through the consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish.

About half of the world's oil pollution is naturally-occurring, arising from fissures in the seafloor. The other half is anthropogenic, coming from boats, runoff, and oil spills at off-shore processing facilities. Although oil spills account for only eight percent of total oil pollution, their consequences can be grave, coating the surface of the water and shoreline with oil and devastating to marine life.

Light pollution

Light pollution comes from artificial sources and can include boats, offshore mining platforms, and coastal cities. The most well-known example of the impacts of light pollution on marine life involves sea turtles, who are disoriented by artificial light. This becomes a problem for nesting mothers, who are often discouraged from nesting sites if they have too much light. Light pollution also affects hatchlings who are disoriented and take longer to find the ocean, exposing them to predators. But turtles are not the only animals affected by light pollution. Light pollution impacts certain species of birds, fish, and invertebrates.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution in the ocean is a widespread problem, affecting various species of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Noise pollution can range from relatively low yet constant to deafening produced by oil and gas exploration, as well as naval sonar.

Even when relatively low in terms of decibels, noise pollution can cause serious problems for ocean life. For example, cetaceans are primarily acoustic animals. As marine traffic increases, cetaceans' ability to communicate and navigate, particularly over long distances, is severely hampered, causing them stress.

On the other end of the auditory spectrum is noise pollution from the fossil fuel industry. In the search for oil or gas deposits on the seafloor, seismic airguns are used to issue extremely loud blasts. They are among the loudest human-made sounds in the ocean. These blasts can travel for 2,500 miles are repeated every few seconds for 24 hours a day. The blasts are often active for weeks or months at a time. Seismic airguns seriously disrupt the lives of many marine animals, including dolphins and whales.

Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is among the most prolific types of pollution in the oceans today. Plastic pollution is created by the many companies that package their products in plastic, as well as oil and chemical companies that fabricate plastics, including Exxon, Shell, and Dow.

Plastic pollution has achieved such an enormous scale that it is now referred to as a pandemic. A World Wildlife Fund report found that an enormous amount of plastic is making its way into the oceans, as well as other environments. Every year, around 500 billion plastic bags are used, and a dump-truck load worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean every single minute. Plastics in the ocean wreak havoc on marine life, especially whales. In 2019, a sperm whale died and was found to have 220 pounds of trash in his stomach.

Where does pollution come from?

Surprisingly, most ocean pollution comes from the land. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 80 percent of marine pollution originates on land, in the form of runoff as pollution is swept into oceans through rivers or rain. Septic tanks, automobiles, farms, and ranches account for the most marine pollution.

What is the biggest source of pollution in the ocean?

The biggest sources of ocean pollution come from rivers that carry pollution from the land out to the sea.

Plastic is a significant source of ocean pollution. Ninety percent comes from just 10 rivers, the Yangtze river in China being the most polluting among them. This river flows through one of China's highest populated areas, containing nearly 500 million people. However, the high population is not the only factor contributing to the Yangtze's pollution problem.

For years, China was the world's largest importer of trash. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada shipped enormous amounts of garbage to China and other nations in Asia and Africa. Things changed in 2018, however, as China officially banned plastic imports out of environmental concern, causing headaches for countries that were using the country as a dumping ground.

Where is the pollution worst?

Plastic pollution often collects in ocean gyres, also known as trash vortexes. These trash vortexes exist in many of the world's great oceans. One trash vortex, called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is said to cover an area 1.6 million square kilometers across.

Many areas affected by the industrial animal agricultural sector suffer from chemical pollutions. In 2017, the meat industry was blamed for creating the largest dead zone ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Toxins from animal waste make their way to the Gulf through rivers, where they create nutrient-dense marine environments. Algae then bloom in very high densities, depriving water of oxygen. The resulting low-oxygen environment forces marine life to leave the area, or else perish. The dead zone of 2017 covered an area as large as the state of New Jersey and was blamed on the animal agricultural giant Tyson Foods, which supplies companies like McDonald's and slaughters billions of animals each year.

Ocean pollution facts and statistics

Approximately 80 percent of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources, including sewage, plastics, and agricultural runoff

There are around 500 dead zones in oceans around the world, covering an area about the size of the United Kingdom.

There are around five trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean

By 2050, it is predicted that ocean plastic will outweigh the biomass of all fish in the oceans

Solutions - How do we stop pollution?

Because there are so many sources of pollution stemming from human lifestyles-particularly humans in wealthy Western nations-there is no one single solution to ocean pollution. There are actions and lifestyle adjustments individuals can take, including:

Using less plastic

Buying local to reduce the need for oceanic shipping

Reducing meat consumption to help prevent chemical pollution

Choosing alternative modes of transport to reduce gas consumption

It is vital for the companies causing the oceanic pollution to be held accountable. If you're looking to get involved, check out Break Free From Plastic, an organization that is pushing for stronger ocean protection at the policy and legislative levels.

Conclusion

Ocean pollution is a complex, pervasive problem driven by consumer lifestyles. It wreaks havoc on ocean ecosystems the world over. More action is needed if pollution is to be curbed and the global oceans spared.

Commercial Fishing: What You Need to Know How the Western Diet Affects Global Food Choices A Conservationist's Guide to Protecting the Oceans

Sentient Media

Sentient Media editorial team.

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Ocean Pollution: How Human Activity Impacts the Oceans

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Ocean pollution comes from many different sources and affects marine environments around the world. This article will explore the main types of ocean pollution and will offer up some solutions on how to meet the challenges presented by these pervasive issues.

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Ocean pollution and marine debris | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Ocean pollution and marine debris | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Each year, billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants enter the ocean.

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Although it may not be obvious to us in our day-to-day lives, the health of the ocean has significant consequences on human health. For example, 70% of the oxygen we breathe is generated by marine plants. Additionally, 97% of the Earth's water supply is stored in our oceans. Finally, a huge 30% of the carbon emissions produced by human activity are absorbed by the ocean, demonstrating the two-way nature of the relationship between ocean health and human health. The ocean is vital to the health of humans, and we are vital to the health of the ocean.

Ocean Pollution. Image Credit: Rich Carey/Shutterstock.com

The link between ocean pollution and human health has been downplayed

Ocean pollution is far-reaching and prevailing across waters in all regions of the globe. While recent years have seen human interest in environmental issues peak, the situation of ocean pollution is not improving it is deteriorating. For many decades, scientists have collected evidence that demonstrates the serious impact ocean pollution has on human health. However, the full scope of this threat has not been widely grasped.

A recent project led by Philip Landrigan, the results of which were published in the journal Annals of Global Health in 2020, emphasizes the link between ocean pollution and human health by providing the very first comprehensive assessment of the multiple impacts of ocean pollution on human health.

Many factors contribute to ocean pollution. Humans produce many different kinds of waste, such as agricultural runoff, industrial waste, fertilizers, manufactured chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, pesticides, petroleum, plastics, sewage, toxic metals, and urban waste, a large portion of which end up in our oceans. Around 80% of these pollutants enter the ocean from land-based sources via rivers, runoff, deposition from the atmosphere, and dumping.

Here, we outline how distinct types of ocean pollution specifically impact human health.

Plastic pollution

Plastic takes hundreds of years to degrade, and even then, it is not fully decomposed, it remains in the environment in the form of microplastics. These tiny particles that can measure just a few nanometres are becoming more concentrated in our environment. Recent studies have shown that there is now 60 times more microplastic in the ocean than there was just 15 years ago. This presents a significant threat to human health as microplastics have been linked with cancer, reduced fertility, psychological illnesses, and birth defects. Plastics often contain a myriad of toxic chemicals that include neurotoxins, carcinogens, and endocrine disrupters.

A new technique was recently developed by researchers at Arizona State University that allows scientists to detect the presence of microplastics in human tissue. The results were alarming. The team showed that microplastics were detectable in 100% of the tissues sampled. This is concerning as it shows that microplastics are entering the human body and likely accumulating there, where, in greater quantities, they are more likely to cause harm.

Studies have shown that microplastics easily enter the food chain and accumulate in the food we eat, such as fish and shellfish. When we ingest seafood we are also ingesting large amounts of microplastics. Unless plastic pollution is addressed, this problem will likely worsen, with greater amounts of plastic waste ending up in the ocean each year. This may lead to an increase in the prevalence of diseases and illnesses linked with microplastic exposure.

Mercury pollution

Like plastic, mercury is also found in abundance in the ocean. Mercury pollution is most commonly attributed to the use of coal, both domestic and industrial use. Coal naturally contains mercury, when it burns mercury is released into the atmosphere where it eventually ends up in bodies of water and accumulates in the sea. Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes damage to the brain, nervous system, and other organs.

Therefore, mercury pollution presents a major threat to human health. The chemical is known to accumulate in fish that are higher up in the food chain, such as predatory fish like tuna and swordfish. When we eat these fish, mercury can then accumulate in our own bodies.

Mercury exposure has been shown to increase a person's risk of dementia and heart disease. Additionally, in-utero exposure to the chemical has been shown to cause neurodevelopmental damage and has been shown to reduce IQ and increase the risk of developing autism, ADHD, and other learning disorders.

Coastal pollution

Numerous sources of pollution, such as agricultural runoff, industrial waste, pesticides, and sewage accumulate around the coast, contributing to the problem of coastal pollution. These pollutants cause increases in harmful algal blooms that produce toxins that accumulate in seafood. Studies have shown that ingestion of these toxins in humans can cause amnesia, dementia, paralysis, and even death.

This evidence highlights the important link between ocean health and human health. Humans contribute a significant amount of pollution to our oceans, which in turn negatively impacts human health in multiple ways. Implementing effective strategies to prevent and reduce ocean pollution will be key to protecting human health.

References:

Campanale, Massarelli, Savino, Locaputo and Uricchio, 2020. A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), p.1212. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7068600/

Landrigan, P., Stegeman, J., Fleming, L., Allemand, D., Anderson, D., Backer, L., Brucker-Davis, F., Chevalier, N., Corra, L., Czerucka, D., Bottein, M., Demeneix, B., Depledge, M., Deheyn, D., Dorman, C., Fénichel, P., Fisher, S., Gaill, F., Galgani, F., Gaze, W., Giuliano, L., Grandjean, P., Hahn, M., Hamdoun, A., Hess, P., Judson, B., Laborde, A., McGlade, J., Mu, J., Mustapha, A., Neira, M., Noble, R., Pedrotti, M., Reddy, C., Rocklöv, J., Scharler, U., Shanmugam, H., Taghian, G., Van de Water, J., Vezzulli, L., Weihe, P., Zeka, A., Raps, H. and Rampal, P., 2020. Human Health and Ocean Pollution. Annals of Global Health, 86(1), p.151. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731724/

Microplastic particles now discoverable in human organs. Damian Carrington. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/17/microplastic-particles-discovered-in-human-organs

Vethaak, A. and Legler, J., 2021. Microplastics and human health. Science, 371(6530), pp.672-674. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6530/672

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Although it may not be obvious to us in our day-to-day lives, the health of the ocean has significant consequences on human health. For example, 70% of the oxygen we breathe is generated by marine plants. Additionally, 97% of the Earth's water supply is stored in our oceans.

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 littering, poor waste management practices, storm water discharge, and extreme natural events such as tsunamis and hurricanes

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capone@wrigley.usc.edu

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Marine animals such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles think that  plastic waste is food most then die of Starvation because their stomachs become filled with plastic.

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How to help stop ocean pollution

Save water (So excess wastewater won’t go to the ocean)

Don’t pollute

Shop wisely

Practice safe boating

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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Here are 10 simple things you can do at home, around town, on the water, or anywhere!