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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Help Reduce Ocean Debris

Winter's Ocean Warrior

How Big is the Problem?

  • We have produced more plastic in the past 10 years than during the entire last century.
  • Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times.
  • 80 percent of pollution enters the ocean from the land.
  • 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean’s surface is plastic.
  • There are 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile of ocean.
  • At least 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year.
  • Plastic makes up 85% of ocean debris.

Ocean debris has become a tragic problem for the oceans, marine life, and yes, even humans. The worst offender: plastic. It truly is a plastic world we live in.

Check out this video.

It’s a Plastic World – http://itsaplasticworld.com/

It Gets Worse.

  • Plastic in the world’s oceans could increase by a factor of 10 in the next decade.
  • More than 260 animal species have become entangled in or consumed fishing line, nets, ropes and other discarded equipment.
  • An astounding 86 percent of all marine turtles are affected by marine debris.
  • One million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans.
  • 44 percent of all seabird species, 22 percent of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a growing list of fish species have been documented with plastic in or around their bodies.

At CMA, a number of our rescued marine animals suffer from ocean debris. Look at these recent stories.

Donkey Kong balloon in sea turtle donkey kong marine debris sea urchin with plastic clip urkel injured sea turtle entangled sea turtle

Help reduce ocean debris by becoming a Winter Ocean Warrior with this exclusive reusable, recyclable and eco-friendly conservation pack! This pack helps you combat single-use products with a reusable tote, straws and bottle.100% of the net proceeds from your purchase goes directly to supporting our mission of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of marine life, and the long-term care of our resident animals.

$11.99

Shop Now

Cozi’s Clean Ocean Tips

So, the good news is there is a solution. You and Me.
Get tips from Dolphin Tale star Cozi Zuehlsdorff and help marine life by becoming one of Winter’s Ocean Warriors.

Sign up for our Newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

Tip 1: The 3 B’s

  • Bottles: Start lowering your single-use plastic bottles. Use reusable containers.
  • Bags:  Replace plastic with cloth bags.
  • Balloons:  No more balloons.  Replace with bubbles and paper streamers.
WOW_3Bs

See tips for businesses here.

Tip 2: Go on a litter cleanup!

  • Don’t litter anywhere! 80% of Ocean Debris enters the ocean from the land.
  • Organize some friends and go on a litter cleanup in your area.
  • Share your litter cleanup stories and photos on our Facebook page.

Tip 3: Stop Using Plastic Straws!

  • Drink your beverage without a plastic straw.
  • Request no straw when ordering at restaurants.
  • Use paper and biodegradable straws or reusable metal straws.

Order the Winter’s Ocean Warriors Clean Ocean Pack with 25 biodegradable straws included!

ORDER NOW

Tip 4: Reduce Plastic Use!

  • Use less plastic at home and at work!
  • Always look for non-plastic options when buying items or dining out.
  • Use reusable cloth shopping bags instead of plastic bags.
  • Choose cans over plastic bottles.

Tip 5: Reuse Plastic Items!

Learn how we’re tackling marine debris through our Healthy Habitats and Oceans program.


Sources

Plastic Oceans Foundation https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/
Eco Watch https://www.ecowatch.com/22-facts-about-plastic-pollution-and-10-things-we-can-do-about-it-1881885971.html
The Huffington Post https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/plastic-waste-oceans_us_58fed37be4b0c46f0781d426
Passport Ocean https://passportocean.com/2017/11/20/15-shocking-facts-ocean-pollution/
Policy-Oriented Marine Environmental Research In The Southern European Seas http://www.perseus-net.eu/site/content.php?locale=1&sel=517&artid=565

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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