Using Social Channels to Promote Ocean Conservation

May 23

There’s no doubt that every blog, video, or image posted online matters, and helps to raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine life and ocean habitats. Social media channels offer global lines of communication and play a key part in distributing facts and figures about the plight of polluted oceans, vulnerable sea life, and rising sea levels.

So, with International Day of Biodiversity on May 22, there's no better time to use social channels to shine a light on this year’s theme of “harmony with nature and sustainable development”. Your uploaded posts are a powerful way to share, educate and encourage each other and business, to protect the world’s marine ecosystems.

This guide looks at why ocean conservation matters more than ever, offering inspiration to help safeguard biodiverse habitats across the world.

Teach travelers to treasure marine biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the extraordinary variety of life forms inhabiting our planet—from microscopic plankton to magnificent blue whales. When it comes to marine life, the ocean is home to an incredible diversity of life and contains 250,000 known species, with at least two thirds of the world's marine species still unidentified. This intricate web of life maintains the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, providing critical services from oxygen production to climate regulation.

Today, only 3% of the ocean is described as free from human pressures and at least 66% of the ocean area is experiencing multiple, cumulative impacts. Biodiversity is declining at its fastest rate with five direct causes identified as:

Changing use of sea and land
Direct exploitation of organisms
Climate change
Pollution
Introduction of invasive species

Share powerful posts and images to promote conservation

Social channels offer unprecedented opportunities for marine conservation. Individuals, businesses, and tourist bodies can collaborate effectively through social platforms to become powerful advocates for tackling climate change, and protecting oceans and natural coastal environments worldwide. In a literal sense, “going viral” is content that has become extremely popular and is being shared by masses of people across various social channels.

However, whether you achieve a huge global reach or not, content can engage and educate readers about marine conservation. This might be via an intriguing article on kelp regeneration or a travel vlog with interesting footage on coastal erosion. Effectively and creatively communicating your message is key to maximizing impact.

Additionally, powerful imagery, films, and podcasts that are shared across multiple channels are a fantastic way to focus and draw attention to conservation efforts. Using tips on specialist gear or learning from MPB how harmless “wildlife camera traps” work can inspire photographers to capture endangered animals in their natural habitat. Whether their images or posts appear on Facebook, TikTok, or are posted across Instagram, the message they deliver can still resonate deeply enough for audiences to share the content far and wide.

Emphasize topical issues and raise awareness

News shared on social media platforms helps raise awareness and circulate reports about the current health of our oceans, which as already mentioned face multiple challenges. Messages, forums, debates and news items all help address these matters and share information across the planet, increasing awareness and inspiring both people and businesses into action.

Similarly, the topical issue of over-tourism can be shared across social media, to highlight the significant impacts on marine environments, from plastic pollution and sewage to beach erosion, oil spills, and excessive boat traffic. Numerous negative publicity continues to address over-crowded beaches and resorts. Social media articles, images and blogs can again reiterate the important values of knowing how to travel responsibly, respect ocean conservation, and engage in sustainable projects anywhere in the world.

Additionally, overfishing has been cited as the biggest threat to fragile marine environments with industrial scale trawlers depleting fish populations at unsustainable rates and destroying seabed habitats. Social campaigns highlighting these issues have successfully pressured companies to adopt more responsible sourcing and fishing methods. While posts might popularize unspoilt beach locations, social channels can be a tool to encourage travelers to visit alternative destinations and actually support marine life conservation, by advocating for responsible tourism practices.

Showcase sustainability efforts with bold messages

Partnerships between organizations and content creators can also help to promote conservation efforts and can be particularly effective, unifying and educational. When marine biologists collaborate with travel influencers, scientific information can successfully reach new audiences in accessible, engaging formats. Such collaborations can teach young explorers and intrepid hikers or travelers how to protect marine settings when they travel.

Individuals can amplify their online voices by creating content that educates without overwhelming. Instagram stories can share quick facts about endangered marine species, or videos can demonstrate plastic-free alternatives for travel essentials. Consistent hashtag usage like #MarineConservation or #SustainableTourism also helps build support around important issues.

Likewise, travelers can learn how to identify sea creatures, take up sustainable swimming, or choose ecotherapy activities while being respectful of beaches, waterways and ocean living. When fishing or snorkelling, it’s good to maintain a proper distance from marine mammals and fish, to avoid touching coral reefs. At all times, it’s important to adopt responsible traveling practices and follow the “Leave No Trace” principle.

Be inspired to act for collective change

Getting involved and finding ways to support campaigns on your travels or at home can make a huge difference. In fact, promoting causes on social challenges and moving beyond awareness to sign people up for events, clean-up drives or climate talks to drive forward action.

Social media can give a voice to sustainability and conservation, boosting other people’s interest in marine conservation but also making a collective and positive impact. Using creative content, captivating visuals, and educational facts, can go a long way to highlight the urgency the planet needs to protect valuable and vital marine environments.

Rather than just a promotional tool, social media is a significant channel by which to super-charge ocean conservation efforts and celebrate biodiversity. While the content should be impactful and accurate, it can also be inspirational and fascinating, encouraging individuals and groups to understand and tackle climate change.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy working to alleviate the impact of tourism on the marine environment. Interested in learning more about how your business can make a positive impact? Get in touch!