Global Experts Talk about the Ocean

April 24, 2011

Global Experts Talk about the Ocean

Duffy and Elizabeth Healy (San Clemente, CA), co-authors of, "Sea Voices."

Book: Healy, D and E, Sea Voices, Brigham Distributors, 2010

Sharon Kleyne interviewed the Healys in honor of Earth Day. They are advocates who promote the health and beauty of the world's oceans. Duffy has lived near the Atlantic and Pacific, in New York City and La Jolla, California. Elizabeth grew up in Laguna Beach, California.

Both are alarmed about the changes in the oceans in the past few decades. Every year, they are finding fewer shells on the beach and the water appears dirtier.

Sharon observed that our oceans are our life and that Earth is the "Water Planet" unlike any other known planet. The planet's water wars underscore the importance of water. She specifically mentioned the Middle East and California/Arizona.

The Healy's discussed their book "Sea Voices," which contains photos and text of people discussing the ocean. The talked about Pierce Brosnan's ocean documentaries, "The Living Sea," "Coral Reef Adventure," "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," "Dolphins" and "Island of the Sharks," which are represented prominently in their book.

The Healy's emphasized that they are not scientists but artists and advocates. They are attempting to appeal to everyone who cares about the oceans, and to win over those who don't care. They are especially concerned about whaling, shark fin hunting, pollution from plastics and the effects on the food chain.

Worldwide, two billion people depend on the oceans as their primary food source. This is threatened because production is declining and more and more people are choosing to live near the ocean. Acidification of the ocean from increasing carbon in the environment, is responsible for killing much sea life and can be fixed.

The Healey's specifically mentioned single use plastic packaging, which is often discarded on the spot. This, too, makes its way into the oceans and affects sea life. In fact, an estimated 80% of marine debris is plastic.

The "dead zone" at the mouth of the Mississippi, in the Gulf of Mexico, is believed caused by fertilizers. Dead zones are becoming increasingly common.

Everyone can make a difference. Get involved via Facebook or Twitter, of participate in beach cleanup.