Being aware of threats to our ocean is the first step towards making a difference. Here are simple, effective ways to learn more and help protect this precious resource.

1. Learn All You Can

Did you know state and local governments issue seafood contamination and beach closure warnings? By learning why a beach was closed or why certain seafood is contaminated, you may also learn how to prevent it from happening again. See our Links section to find ocean conservation and information resources near you!

2. Shop Smart

Not all seafood is created equal. Some seafood choices, like wild fish from healthy populations, are good for the ocean, while others are harmful. For a list of smart seafood choices, see Sourcing Seafood. For more information on ocean-friendly seafood, visit the Seafood Choices Alliance at www.seafoodchoices.org.

3. Be Trash-Conscious

Recycling is one way to maintain a healthy ocean, but it’s also important to be knowledgeable about what you throw away. For instance, flushing non-biodegradable products can damage the sewage treatment process and end up littering beaches and waters. For other tips on safe trash disposal, visit http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/ or http://www.obviously.com/recycle/.

4. Volunteer to Protect Local Waters

It's easy to get involved locally, from participating in beach cleanups to encouraging local officials to support ocean-friendly sewer systems. For a list of ocean conservation groups in your state, click here.

5. Be Considerate of Ocean Wildlife

Our trash can damage or kill ocean wildlife easily, but it is easy to prevent these tragedies. Never dispose of fishing line or nets in the water. Don't release helium balloons outside. Minimize your use of Styrofoam. Cut open plastic six-pack rings that can entangle ocean life. For other ways to save ocean wildlife, visit http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=146&cid=43.

6. Reduce Household Toxins

The fewer herbicides and pesticides you spray, the fewer you will swim in! By using natural fertilizer, phosphate-free detergents and non-toxic cleaning products, you can ensure a healthier ocean and a cleaner overall environment. For more ideas on reducing pollution, see http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/safe-fs.html.

7. Reduce Run-Off

It's easy to avoid contributing to nonpoint source pollution! Put trash in the can instead of the gutter. Use soap sparingly when washing your car. If you must use chemicals on your lawn, don't spray on a windy day or when rain is expected. And scoop pet waste – an estimated 15 tons of pet waste flows into ocean waters every day! Other ways to reduce your run-off can be found at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/whatudo.html.

8. Reduce Oil Pollution

Did you know that more oil enters the ocean from car leaks than from large tanker spills? Fixing car leaks and recycling used motor oil can prevent oil pollution in surface waters. You can also help by remembering to check underground heating oil tanks for leaks. Looking for other ideas on limiting your oil pollution? Visit http://oils.gpa.unep.org/facts/prevent-land.htm for details.

9. Conserve Water

With just a little effort, we can all save water every day. Use low-flow showerheads and faucets, take shorter showers and repair leaky faucets to help our oceans. For more practical tips, visit www.epa.gov/watrhome/you/chap3.html.

10. Shop Amazon through Seaweb

When you visit Amazon.com through SeaWeb, a portion of your cost is donated to ocean conservation. Start shopping today at the SeaWeb Bookstore.