Ocean Citizens

How to be an advocate for our ocean

Take Action!

We need as many people as possible standing up for the health of our ocean. As we know, our health and the ocean’s health are closely linked. The ocean is one of our greatest allies in the race against climate change. It’s home to incredible creatures and important ecosystems. And, it’s a place of wonder, peace and joy.

Our ocean is threatened. One of the most powerful things you can do to help our ocean is to use your voice as a citizen. Read on to find out how.

How to be an Ocean Citizen

  • Are you interested in becoming an Ocean Citizen? Download our convenient PDF guide that outlines seven simple steps to get you there.

  • Write to your elected representative (MP, MSP or MS)

    Your elected representative – MP (Member of Parliament, England), MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament), or MS (Member of the Senedd, Wales), is responsible for making decisions about the area you live in. If something is happening close to home that worries you, you are able to contact your MP, MSP or MS to ask them to take action.

    Your MP, MSP or MS also needs to know what you, a member of their constituent, cares about. We need the people we vote for to know that their voters care about looking after our environment.

  • Connect with your local community

    Somehow, many of us in the UK have become disconnected from our local communities. Our voices are amplified when we are able to connect with like-minded people in our community.

  • Use your voice as a consumer

    Companies will change based on what they think their customers want. If you’ve experienced a company, business or organisation acting in a way that is detrimental to the planet, it’s important to get in touch and let them know what you think.

  • Become a Citizen Scientist!

    Citizen Science utilises people living within the community to help gather important data. Many of these projects are vital in informing environmental policy and in making changes to how we look after our planet.

  • Minimising your own environmental footprint

    This is important too, not least because it sends a strong message of how we want to live as consumers, customers and voters.

    There’s lots of information about reducing your plastic footprint here. Remember to vote with your wallet, and support businesses that are also actively reducing their waste, usage of plastic and carbon footprint!

  • Clean up your environment

    Our natural world suffers in the face of man-made pollution.

    You can help clean up the environment by picking up plastic at the beach, river, or even the street.