In 2017, the Senate of the State of California declared 27th April to be Marine Mammal Rescue Day. It may have originated in America, but it’s something we all need to pay attention to. We have a huge impact on our oceans, and it’s affecting every living thing in it.

Marine Mammal Rescue Day is a day to celebrate the efforts of those who have made a positive impact on the lives of sea life, including wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and animal care specialists. But it’s also a day to reflect on our impact on climate change as individuals all over the world.

Lending a helping flipper

The likes of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) work continuously to give marine mammals a second chance at life. They spend countless days rescuing seals and other sea life through all seasons of the year. Ensuring these animals receive the appropriate aftercare is also extremely important to them. Working closely with rehabilitation centres, they ensure that they get the right supervision so they can get the most out of life and return to the sea when they’re ready.

But it doesn’t stop there. There are many charities and volunteers who are helping to clean up oceans and beaches. Not only do the infinite numbers of bottles and bags flying around affect your holiday, but they’re also extremely detrimental to the lives of marine animals.

Polluting our planet

Animals can become stuck and suffocate in the rubbish we leave behind. Rubbish is often mistaken by animals for food. The manmade materials they’re eating contain toxins, which are harmful to them and often lead to death. This is the effect we’re having on innocent wildlife.

Not only is it rubbish we need to tackle, but there are also many other issues affecting climate change which are having a negative impact on the environment. Over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities. The environmental degradation which we’re causing as humans is leading to a dangerous increase in climate change.

Reports from 2015 said 3,340 sea lions were stranded, more than 10 times the average number that died along the coast the previous year. This distressingly high number needs to decrease if we want our children to grow up in a world where they get to even see a sea lion and other marine life. David Attenborough's new documentary series on Netflix titled ‘Our Planet’ focuses on the devastation and conservation efforts made by some to protect what we still have left.

If we don’t make a conscious effort to change our attitudes and actions now, the future of our now beautiful marine life is uncertain.

What you can do to help

There’s still time to help our planet and the life that lives on it. Taking simple actions to change the way you think about what you’re doing to help prevent pollution will have a big impact. BDMLR also have a suggestions page as to how you can help.

Our tips include:

  • Reduce, reuse, recycle

  • Avoid single-use plastic (e.g. straws, bottles)

  • Join in and volunteer with beach cleanups

  • Educate yourself on ocean conservation

  • Support charities that are doing their bit to help

  • Dispose of your waste (e.g. swimwear) in environmentally friendly ways

It may not seem like much, but if every person did their small part, collectively we can have a huge impact. Our marine life didn’t ask for this, so why should they suffer. Let’s use this year’s Marine Mammal Rescue Day to inspire us to change for good.

Here at Maru, we are the Official Partners of the SEA LIFE Trust. We understand the importance of protecting our planet at all costs, that’s why our stunning swimsuits are as sustainable as they are stylish. To find out more about our range click here.