The Butterfly Effect: the principle of the Butterfly Effect is that each action we take has consequences that we may not see until far into the future. While many associate it with the rules for time travel, the Butterfly Effect is a key component of ocean conservation. All of our oceans are connected, and this interconnectedness makes them all vulnerable to environmental degradation from even a single source.
The Bystander Effect is another facet of conservation that can lead to low levels of activism. It is the assumption that people may have when they see something like trash on the beach or pollution in the water. People will assume that “someone else” will take care of the problem. The issue arises when everyone assumes that “someone else” will take care of it, no one ends up helping. The Bystander Effect is what can lead to inaction on crucial issues like ocean conservation.
Being aware of these issues with ocean conservation is the first step in solving the monumental problems of environmental degradation. Only by realizing the size of the problem will we be able to overcome the challenges of these Effects.