New applied sciences and analysis are serving to to resolve issues similar to plastic air pollution, bycatch and ocean acidification.

Aug. 16, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. EDT

(Illustrations by Feng Chen for the Washington Put up) Touch upon this story

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It is simple to take the ocean as a right. The deep blue is essential for issues we do daily with out considering. We breathe. We eat and drink. We purchase one thing that’s made distant from the place we stay. The ocean contributes to all of this stuff. Not interested by what the ocean is doing for us could be okay if its bounty have been limitless. However they aren’t. And the actions of individuals – practically 8 billion of us – threaten assets we can’t do with out.

Thankfully, a rising variety of persons are centered on defending the oceans. Scientists, legislators, firms and non-profit teams are amongst these elevating consciousness of points similar to plastic air pollution, bycatch and ocean acidification. Nevertheless, they don’t solely present issues. You develop options. Small success tales construct hope and encourage extra folks to get entangled.

We have created a particular assortment of KidsPost tales as a result of we all know you understand how valuable it’s whenever you consider the ocean. Now we have proof. Readers have not too long ago responded to our request for temporary marine critiques, a few of which we function under. Reflecting is an effective first step. We hope the extra tales and pictures will deepen your understanding of the ocean’s issues and encourage you to be a part of the options.

Reflections of younger writers

What I admire most in regards to the ocean is the variety of life, from big blue whales to tiny however so necessary corals. I like the wonder, structure and vibrancy of all of the animals, vegetation and others that stay below the ocean.

— Brice Claypoole, 14, Longboat Key, Florida

Treasure, transportation and meals. All these good issues come from the ocean. The ocean lets us discover and specific ourselves. It offers us meals and all these wonderful issues that come out of the ocean. That is how we are able to present the world what we are able to obtain collectively!

– Owen Bairley, 9, Fredericksburg, Virginia

I admire sea creatures. It is enjoyable to look at them! I noticed a film referred to as Soul Surfer and in it somebody will get attacked by a shark. That made me understand that life within the ocean is hard. They combat to outlive. This made me admire them much more as a result of sea creatures, like me, have many issues.

— Hailey Somsel, 10, New York, New York

The ocean is consistently altering

Octopus with shells, horseshoe crab

Coral reefs, puffer fish, sharks, eels

To the previous, to the current, to the longer term

It’ll at all times be there tomorrow should you maintain it immediately.

– Thomas Gallagher, 9, Potomac, Maryland

I admire the wonder and variety of the ocean creatures, the waves that take advantage of wonderful sound after they break ashore, the fish that give us meals once we do not give something again, however most of all of the recollections and enjoyable now we have on the have seashore.

– Layli Ziraknejad, 12, Reston, Virginia

The ocean is crucial for us people. With out the ocean we couldn’t survive. Not solely do 12 % of people want the ocean for sustenance, however a whopping 50 % of the world’s oxygen comes from phytoplankton within the ocean. The ocean is my MVP as a result of it’s humanity’s life assist.

– Colin Sellers, 10, Sarasota, Fla

The ocean is a contented place for everybody. Anybody can go away at any time. In summer time you possibly can cool off and chill out within the solar. In winter, you possibly can watch the waves pound the sand violently. The ocean by no means closes its doorways. It offers us a lot.

– Madelyn Legeer, 10, Silver Spring, Maryland

What I like most in regards to the ocean is that it offers a house to one among my favourite animals, the manta ray. They’re very calm and peaceable, however they’re endangered. After I develop up I wish to be a scientist so I might help them keep out of hurt’s approach.

– Lily Guder, 7, Alexandria, Virginia

Whether or not it is dolphins leaping out of the water, drops hitting the solar like diamonds, or sunsets fading from fiery yellow to sensible purple within the night, I like the great thing about the ocean.

– Sara Husain, 13, Ruskin, Fla

Beneath the waves of the ocean, a complete world of secrets and techniques awaits to be explored. Some species of marine life like the enormous squid are very uncommon and now we have little picture or proof. Scientists are nonetheless working onerous to be taught issues we all know nothing about.

— Juno Wu, 11, Falls Church, Virginia

I like the ocean as a result of it is the proper place to assume after I’m offended. I simply love the clear blue water and the sounds of the ocean. It is actually calming and I simply assume the ocean creatures are stunning.

– Charlie Miller, 9, Odenton, Maryland

The ocean is an attractive place that ought to be protected. The totally different colours of the water, the dimensions of the waves, no two seashores are alike. All this collectively makes me excited to go to the seashore – to swim, to see the water, to take pleasure in.

—Eric Toop, 12, Westerville, Ohio

I like that the mom whales shield the child whales from predators. I just like the clown fish residence. I like how the divers save the fish.

— Doreen Wills, 6, Duluth, Minnesota

I admire the ocean as a result of I wish to see sea turtles and dolphins. I wish to take heed to the waves which can be on the seashore. It sounds peaceable and helps me chill out. The ocean additionally brings shells to the seashore, which I can discover.

– Maxton McCarthy, 6, Tampa, Fla