How trash moves around the ocean (Primary) - Lesson Five

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 3rd,4th Grade

Introduction

Lesson Five – How can we fix the problem? This lesson covers ways to help stop trash entering the ocean and recovering marine debris. Learning activities:  Research and create ways to encourage people to stop trash entering the ocean.  Design ways to remove plastic from the ocean.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 5 - How can we fix the problems?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation organisation with a mission to protect the ocean and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the ocean, running numerous direct action campaigns each year.  Ocean pollution is one area Sea Shepherd is addressing in order to protect marine wildlife.

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During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

HOW MUCH POLLUTION IS IN THE OCEAN?

12 million tons enters the ocean each year

=

1 garbage truck

every 40 seconds

Each year over 12 million tons of plastic enter the ocean. That is equal to one garbage truck dumping its contents into the ocean every 40 seconds.

How can we stop pollution
entering the ocean?

Ask students:
“How can we stop pollution ending up in the ocean?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Recover from the ocean

What to do with trash/marine debris found on land or in the ocean?
    Remove rubbish from parks, schoolyards and beaches. Every bit you pick up helps prevent rubbish from ending up in drains and waterways and ultimately in the ocean.
    Help recover marine debris from waterways and the ocean.   
Discuss how to ensure to do this safely, wearing protective gear.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

REDUCE PLASTIC USE

Refuse

Reduce

Reuse

Restrict

We can help by reducing what we buy and consume. This reduces the amount of plastic being used and thus reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean:
    Refuse – Say no when offered a straw or plastic bag.

    Reduce - if you don’t really need it or if something will harm the environment

don’t use it. Reducing our use of single use plastic products reduces the risk it will end up in the ocean.  

    Reusable - Instead of single use plastic products that end up in the ocean it is better to choose reusable items.  

    Restrict - While it may not be avoidable to buy some items in plastic, buying the bulk version and not multi-paks (For example, juice boxes or small packets of snacks) will help.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

WHAT WE NO

LONGER NEED

Rehome

Recycle

Only 9% of plastic ever produce has been recycled.

What can we do with items we no longer need:
    Rehome - if an item is in good condition but you don’t need or want it anymore, like toys you have outgrown.  Then these could be donated to a charity or someone who has very little, they can be sold or swapped at swap markets with family and friends.

    Recycle – we can recycle as much as possible.  Make sure you separate out your rubbish between what can go into the compost bin, recycling bin and waste. The less you send to landfill the better, especially plastics.

Some plastics can be returned to stores for recycling, like ink cartridges. Others may be donated to special programs where they can be converted for 3D printing. Such as programs to make items that help communities, like making artificial limbs.

Only 9% of the plastic ever produced is estimated to have been recycled.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

WHAT IS BROKEN

Repair

Repurpose

Refinish

What we do with items that are broken or damaged:
    First try to repair – why buy new when you can simply learn how to repair things.
    Second repurpose – if you can’t repair an item then think of new ways you can use it. Old sheets and clothes for example can be used to make pouches for orphaned/injured wildlife.
    Thirdly refinish – would a new coat of paint or polish make it useable again.
If you can’t do any of these then try to recycle it.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How can we and governments help stop the issue?

Other than changing what we buy and use, how can we or our governments help solve the issue?
Discuss these ideas with students – what would they do:
    Implement stronger laws or monitoring to stop marine litter from ships.
    Encourage the use of ecofriendly products and plastic alternatives.
    Invest in waste management infrastructure for poorer countries.
    Ban single use plastics – like plastic bags.
    Develop new ways to improve recycling rates and the use of materials.
    Look at ways to stop people littering – education and awareness, or fines.
    Fund methods to remove waste from the ocean.

A video of sea turtles to remind students who they can help protect.
https://youtu.be/UdXQFm33kvQ

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.