Day 2 - 159 -- A Day for the Oceans

Living in a maritime area, I would be remiss not to celebrate today -- World Oceans Day. Growing up on the prairies, I have learned to appreciate the ocean and all it provides to life and livelihoods. Many activities can help us to understand better the multiple roles the world's oceans play and why they have been deemed the heart of the planet.

Choosing sustainably harvested fish and seafood is a key step in the right direction. Many major grocery chains have pledged to source only sustainably fished products in the coming 2-3 years. Watch for logos on food packaging that indicate that this has occurred. Newer traceability will allow consumers to use a QR code or bar code to trace where the package they hold was fished, by whom, and when. Very cool technology use.  We also can participate in shoreline cleanups of all bodies of water and learn where to dispose of toxic substances rather than flushing them or dumping them into the sewer system. Simple things that help the whole planet. Even using public transit or hybrid vehicles can help with green house gas emissions and address climate change that will impact Arctic ice melt and reduce ocean salinity and water temperatures, which, in turn, can affect tides, currents and migration patterns of sea life. Pledge to make a difference. And, if you haven't dipped your toe in the ocean, make a plan to visit and do so.

Several songs came to mind, but I settled on one that presents a concern with the order of things in the world -- the role greed can play in destroying habitat. I will admit that some of the lyrics remind me of the message from the dolphins in Douglas Adams's book "So long and thanks for all the fish." That makes me smile a bit in the midst of the deeper social commentary of the song. Enjoy!

Porpoise Song -- The Monkees