How can I help the ocean?

Connect with the Ocean & Share!

Build your Ocean Literacy

Combat Climate Change

Whether virtually through XR experiences like ours or in real life, experience the ocean — go to the beach, go for a swim, discover sea life. It’s hard to care for something you never see so get out there and make your own unique connection with whatever part of the ocean excites you most, and then share that excitement with others! #OceanEmpathy

Learn about one (or all) of these 7 ocean literacy principles. Knowledge is power!

1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features

2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth

3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate

4. The ocean made the Earth habitable

5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems

6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected

7. The ocean is largely unexplored

The oceans are warming, rising, and acidifying because of an excess of carbon in the atmosphere (learn more about the science of climate change from the IPCC). We can reduce our personal carbon emissions in many ways, from limiting air travel and eating less meat to purchasing offsets and having smaller families.

You can find more ideas for real climate solutions on a systems level, and learn about active communities in your area, through Project Drawdown and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Support Sustainable Fishing

One of the best things you can do for the ocean is to support sustainable fishing practices. Approximately 96% of the world’s fishing stocks are exploited or depleted, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Such over-harvesting has caused severe imbalances in ecosystem health, and threatens food security and livelihoods for hundreds of millions- to billions- of people.

Learn more about making good seafood decisions with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch (also a free app for your smart phone!) and discover how research and policy is turning the tide at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

Keep the Ocean Clean

Land and sea are connected by rivers, coastlines, marine life, and- unfortunately- pollution. Agricultural runoff, plastic pollution, sewage, and industrial waste are reducing water quality and harming marine life. These effects reverberate all the way up the food chain to humans. Plus it’s hard to enjoy a day at the beach when you’re surrounded by trash and can’t go for a swim.

Try supporting organic farming, declining single use plastics, or asking your city where everything ends up. Join the Plastic Pollution Coalition, clean a beach with the Surfrider Foundation, and learn how governments and industries can protect the ocean-side of our world’s coastlines through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.1.

Join & Support Your Local Ocean Community

No one can save the ocean alone. Stay inspired and motivated (and effect real change) by finding an ocean-minded community in your area. Then join it!

No matter where you are in the world, you can support The Hydrous mission by sharing our content, collaborating with us, or making tax-deductible donations.

Join our mailing list to stay connected.