The oceans ecosystem is among the largest resources for life on earth. Scientists believe that there can be as many as 9 million species we haven't even discovered yet. The ocean is a mystery to the human race but we still continue to use the marine wild life as our personal trash can. Our oceans are undergoing some serious stress and we need to step up and take action.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

I know it sounds abundant but this is an important step to help save our oceans. There is a plastic island the size of Texas sitting in the middle of the Pacific ocean. This swirling mass of plastic is known by many names; the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, North Pacific Gyre, Trash Vortex, and Plastic Graveyard. This is a sobering fact that we can not escape trash, especially trash that does not decompose. Do you know where your trash is going? There is a strong chance that a water bottle you threw away six months ago is now inhabiting this growing problem.

2. Plant a tree.

Ocean dead zones are continually growing and getting out of hand. There is over 400 known to exist, and the number is expected to grow. Dead zones are areas of the ocean that are inhabitable due to the lack of oxygen; this is a growing problem in our coral reefs. Global warming is a prime suspect for the change in our oceans behavior. By planting a tree you will be reducing the warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans.

3. Support alternative energy.

Mercury pollution is a serious issue in our oceans. Mercury levels are predicted to rise. This is a direct issue to not only our ocean but to humans as well. Mercury pollution is going from our oceans to our dinner table. The mercury s absorbed by organisms on the bottom of the food chain and works it's way up the food chain. Toxic mercury is released from coal burning power plants across the country and trickles down in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Take a look to see if your energy provider offers the option to have alternative energy such as; natural gas, nuclear power, wind or solar.

4. Join ocean conservation groups.

Oceana was founded in 2001 and is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. They have offices around the world working together to make our oceans more bio diverse and abundant. Join today to move forward and help conserve our oceans. This is our planet, our home, it should be our top priority to keep it safe.