On Oceans

Some people do their part for the ocean by consuming less plastic. Others collect and count trash at the beach. A few brave and amazing people take to the ocean itself in hopes of inspiring others to the cause of ocean protection.

Roz Savage, for example, has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. What she saw during that journey inspired her to make humankind more aware of our oceans and their plight. And so, three days ago, Roz set off from the Golden Gate Bridge toward Hawaii on the first leg of her three-part, three-year row across the Pacific. Alone. She blogs from sea, and if you are all interested in the status of our oceans, or in the depth of human courage and endurance, you’ll want to follow her journey.

Dr. Marcus Eriksen embarks June 1st on a similar voyage. Marcus is not rowing to Hawaii, though. He’s sailing. On a boat made out of fifteen thousand plastic bottles. Why? In his words, “Because there’s just too much plastic clogging the oceans. The world needs to realize this.” Marcus is a colleague of Captain Charlie Moore’s at the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and I had the pleasure of meeting him while researching TRACKING TRASH. To learn more about his mission, and to follow his journey, check out his blog.


Me and Dr. Eriksen aboard the Alguita, circa 2005

Following these two mighty conservationists as they travel the seas would be a great way to celebrate World Ocean Day, which is June 8. You could also spread the word about their efforts, visit and appreciate an ocean near you, register for the International Coastal Cleanup, or eat ocean-friendly seafood. Hey, you might even buy someone you love a copy of TRACKING TRASH.

For more ideas to celebrate the ocean, check out this World Ocean Day website.