The ocean crisis is real. Every year, between 4.8 and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic pieces are discarded into the sea, endangering marine life and the habitats that they call home. Our oceans are integral to life on Earth, which is why we are committed to protecting them.
While saving our seas may be a global effort, we believe that the smallest of lifestyle changes can make big waves. NothingFishy’s flagship product, our Omega 3 softgels are not only derived from sustainable algae oil, but are also packaged in the most environmentally friendly way possible using recycled ocean plastic.
Each of our algae oil softgels are brimming with the highest-quality 200mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Vitamin D from nutrient-rich kelp and Vitamin C from our wonder-ingredient archaea, all harnessed from the power of the ocean for optimum eye, brain and heart support.
We know that plastic disposal is a detrimental cause for the global ocean crisis, but what else is putting our seas at risk? Let’s delve right in.
What Are The Biggest Threats To Our Oceans?
Although it may seem like everything is smooth-sailing on the surface, there are deeper layers to the ocean crisis, and most of them begin on land.
Global Warming
The first issue is human-made emissions. As one of our planet’s biggest carbon sinks, our oceans absorb excess heat and energy produced by greenhouse gases that are trapped in Earth’s atmosphere. Today, it is estimated that around 90% of the heat generated by emissions and 30% of C02 has been absorbed by the oceans.
Overtime, this constant heat and energy has warmed our seas to unprecedented temperature levels, causing marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, sea-level rises, ice-melting and ultimately the loss of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Overfishing
Another human-caused threat to our oceans is overfishing, which occurs when too many fish are caught at once. This takes a huge toll on sea life, weakening reefs and disrupting the delicate balance of biological systems.
Chemical Pollution
Chemical pollution is also a cause for concern, including agricultural pesticides, discarded sewage waste and oil spills. This results in oxygen depletion that can damage marine plants and shellfish, which in turn can further harm ecosystems and aquatic species.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is another major threat which is responsible for almost one-third of the contaminants found in oceans and other coastal areas.
Why Are Our Oceans So Important?
As a vital life source filled with nutrients, planet Earth without our oceans would be like a tree without its roots. Just like our bodies, our planet is made up mostly of water, with our oceans holding around 96.6% of Earth’s water. Here’s why it’s vital that we need to safeguard the future of our oceans.
They Help Us To Breathe
Through the process of photosynthesis, the ocean is able to produce oxygen from kelp, agal plankton and tiny plant-like organisms known as phytoplankton. Scientists estimate that around 50-80% of oxygen produced on Earth comes from the ocean!
They Provide Us With Nutritious Goodness
The ocean provides us with more than just seafood. It’s home to a whole treasure trove of ingredients which are used in popular foods such as soy milk and peanut butter. There’s also nutrient-dense seaweed and Omega-3 fatty acids which are derived from fish oil and algae oil - at NothingFishy, we use the latter as it’s the most sustainable choice.
They Help To Regulate Our Climate
As our oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, they transport heat from the equator to the poles which helps to regulate our climate and weather patterns.
They’re The Source Of Medicinal Ingredients
Many ingredients for medicinal products come from our seas, including those used to treat cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.
They’re Home To An Estimated 50-80% Of Life On Earth
Yet, there’s still so much left to discover. In fact, it’s estimated that a staggering 91% of ocean species are yet to be found!
How To Support Our Oceans
Luckily, our oceans are not alone in their fight. They have us, but we’re their last hope. Here are a few powerful ways that you can take action today to help save our seas.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The rising CO2 levels in the Earth’s atmosphere are heating up our oceans and drastically affecting ecosystems. To reduce your carbon footprint, try opting for public transport or cycling rather than driving, minimising your energy consumption, and consuming as little meat as possible.
Choose Plastic-Free Alternatives
Single-use plastics like takeaway packaging, plastic bags, non-reusable water bottles and straws are polluting our oceans on a global scale. We can all easily minimise our impact by avoiding these types of plastics and seeking alternatives that we can use for the long-term. For example, try storing food in non-disposable containers or bringing a reusable tote bag with you while shopping. You can find ideas and lists of plastic-free businesses to support here - I'm Plastic Free.
Attend A Beach Clean-Up
Volunteering in your spare time can be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when it’s for a cause that you’re passionate about. Not only do beach clean-ups keep our coastlines looking as beautiful as they can be, but they also serve to protect our ecosystems by minimising plastic waste. You can find beach clean-up events near you here - who knows, you may spot us there too!
Be A Force For Good
Together, we can provide a safer future for our oceans by making more responsible everyday choices. Be wary of commercial products that exploit marine life, such as shark products, coral jewellery and tortoise hair accessories which are produced from hawksbill turtles.
The NothingFishy Promise
By choosing NothingFishy Omega 3 supplements, you’re not only supporting your own health, but also the health of our oceans - that’s a pretty awesome feeling!
Throughout our whole manufacturing process, nothing is damaged or discarded, just protected and respected. All of the algae we source goes through a purification process in pools of seawater, meaning we are able to control and ensure the purity of our products without harming our already fragile ocean ecosystems.
The result is a pure plant-based Omega 3 supplement that is 100% environmentally centred with no hidden nasties, just 200mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) alongside Vitamin C and D for maximum goodness - nothing more, and nothing less. And since we’re wholly committed to fighting back against the ocean crisis, our deep-seated values will never change.
We all have one body, one life and one planet. So let’s give it our all!
