We should do something for the ocean

      The ocean seems so big, so some people may think the ocean must be invincible.  However, due to the increasing problem of the sea, we discover we should change some activities of us.  Ocean pollution is a world problem.  Tourism is one of the greater pollutants of the ocean.  We must find out some sustainable development ways of tourism. For individuals, we can change our some lifestyle.  No matter where you are from, you have the responsibility to protect the environment of the ocean.  No matter what your economic standing, you can help to protect the ocean.  For example, if you buy some products that are better for the environment, it can let companies to produce more those environmentally-friendly products.

Baltic sea

Background of Baltic Sea

Baltic Sea is located in Eastern Europe. Baltic Sea is surrounded by nine developed countries, such as Sweden, Germany and Russia.  Up until the 1960’s the Baltic Sea had been relatively unharmed and unpolluted by its surrounding countries.  After 1960’s, the water of Baltic Sea began to be heavily polluted.  Pollution comes primarily from factory waste products and agricultural runoff, coming from the bordering countries and the western countries.  The future and life quality of 90 million people are affected by the Baltic Sea environment.

Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico influence the tourism

Gulf Coast Oil Spill



Photo by Sarah Fobes

Tourism is one of the greater pollutants of the Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean Sea Pollution and Tourism

Tourism is one of the greater pollutants of the Mediterranean Sea and according to League for the Environment study; tourism increases 6 to 10 percent annually.  By the end of the century the number of tourists could increase to 280 million per year.  UNEP (the United Nations Environment Programme) notes that the greatest dangers of pollution are provoked by the presence of substances such as "mercury and arsenic, from eutrophication (or the excessive disposal of nutritious substances which originate from agricultural, industrial and urban wastes), and also from the bacterial diseases produced by the microorganisms which are dumped in the sea." 

Cruise Ship Pollution in the Caribbean

Cartoon by Khalil Bendib

Ocean pollution and Tourism

Brief introduction of ocean pollution

According to the study showed that over 80% of marine pollution from land-based activities.  From plastic bags to pesticides - most of the waste we produce on land eventually reaches the oceans, either through deliberate dumping or from run-off through drains and rivers. What kind of pollution is in ocean?  This includes：