Can Manchester make a difference to ocean pollution?

Coral Daniels | 21st December 2017

It’s no secret that we are destroying the planet, from the depths of the ocean, to the outer most atmosphere.

TV shows likes Blue Planet and activists have been trying to show us our impact on the world for years. More locally, the Sea Life Centre in the Trafford Centre have done too.

Manchester’s Sea Life Centre has been a family attraction that people have loved for years. But, do people really leave with anything other than a stuffed turtle or souvenir mug?

Turtles and other sea creatures are being harmed by our actions, even though we are hundreds of miles away.

In realistic terms, is it possible for people here to make a difference out there? Are there problems closer to home too?

According to Matt Barker, who is an Aquarist at Sea Life, it is possible to make a difference.

He suggests tactics to implement into daily life, that will clean up Manchester’s canals and thus the ocean.

You can even go on a beach or canal clean with the Sea Life centre to do your bit for the environment.

Some more tips include not using a facial scrub with micro beads in, as they get flushed down your drain, straight into the sea.

If you enjoy a bit of fish for your dinner, then make sure the products you buy have the blue MSC logo on. This means the fish has come from a sustainable source.

This is important because of the affect it has on endangered sea creatures and the impact it has on global warming.

Here’s what it does to turtles:

All seven species of turtle are on the endangered list.

If you’re sat there thinking ‘but how does that affect me?’ then take a look at our canals.

You can frequently see litter floating on top of the water. Swans are literally wading through plastic bags and oil slicks.

They might not be as exotic, or endangered as turtles are, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important.

Also, everything that they swim in will eventually make it’s way out to sea too.

Micro particles of plastic have even been found in our drinking water recently, so even though the most extreme cases of pollution are in far of lands they have a direct impact on us.

The Sea Life Centre has loads of facts and tips about the oceans as you walk round.

Album 1


Yet, people seem to just leave without taking them on board; not realising the impact of local pollution, to the wider problem world wide.

Perhaps this Christmas, as well as giving to your friends and family, you can take a little something from the planet-litter.