This Thanksgiving as you sit with friends and family around your awaiting feast, let’s raise our glasses in a toast to the ocean. The air we breath, food we eat, water we drink, wildlife we love, and place we enjoy can all be traced back to the ocean. So this week let’s not only give thanks to the ocean and all it provides us with, but return the favor. Here is a short list of some of the reasons why we owe a thank you. 

The air we breathe: Did you know that oceans produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere? Phytoplankton are tiny ocean plants that photosynthesize (use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make food) and as a byproduct produce oxygen. Seawater also absorbs carbon dioxide we are putting into our atmosphere.

# # #

The food we eat: The ocean is a primary source of protein for over 2.6 billion people. 

Not only do oceans provide us with delicious fish and shellfish, algae and kelp are used to make foods such as soy milk and frozen foods. Additionally, 36 percent of the worlds fish catch is used to feed farmed fish, chickens, and pigs. 

Tired of turkey and looking for a fish feast instead this Thanksgiving? Tryout your tastebuds on this Seafood Watch approved cioppino recipe from Monterey Bay Aquarium executive chef Matthew Beaudin.  The seafood in this dish are all on the “best choice” list from the Seafood Watch California guide.  

Ingredients:

  • ¼ C olive oil
  • 2 large onions (small dice)
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. chili flakes 
  • 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 6 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp. ground black pepper 
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. saffron (about 35 threads)
  • ¼ C tomato paste 
  • ½ tsp fresh oregano (fine chopped)
  • 48 oz. blended plum tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 C Pinot Grigio (or other dry white wine)
  • 4 C canned clam juice 
  • 24 clams (littleneck or cherrystone)
  • 1 ½ lb. shrimp (size 31/35, peeled & deveined)
  • 2 ½ lb. bay scallops 
  • 1 ½ lb. Pacific rockfish (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 C curley parsley (chopped)
  • 4 Tbsp. lemon zest

# # # 

The water we drink: The ocean is an essential part of the water cycle, providing us with drinking water. As it is a part of our water cycle it is important to prevent pollution and trash accumulation in the ocean. Effects of water pollution include; causing pathogens to concentrate in water resulting in beach closures, an oversupply of nutrients forming harmful algal blooms, and toxins such as mercury bioaccumulating up the food chain. 

# # #

The wildlife we love: From Sea Snails to Blue Whales, the ocean is home to a wide variety of majestic wildlife.  These creatures inspire art, legends, and just plain brighten our day knowing they exist.  Not only do they embellish us humans but they are the heart of a healthy ocean and healthy planet. 

# # #

The place we enjoy: Whether it be fishing, surfing, kayaking, sandcastle building, or simply taking a walk on the beach, the ocean is a special place we hold close to our hearts. Here in Humboldt County we are lucky enough to have access to some of the most pristine and dynamic coastlines.  

How can you show the ocean some love?

  • Keep trash and chemicals out of storm drains. Storm water caries water from storm drains to the ocean, carrying pollutants which can lead to beach closures.
  • Plant an “ocean friendly garden,” landscapes that utilize native plants, permeable groundcovers and water retention features to prevent urban runoff, create wildlife habitats and design beautiful spaces.
  • Recycle used motor oil and don’t let it spill on the ground where rain will wash into the storm-water drains, and from there out to sea, where it can harm or kill marine life. Find an oil-recycling center near you.
  • Dispose of household products such as paint, pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries properly. 
  • Avoid products with excess packaging. Buy from bulk bins and avoid packages with individually wrapped items. Reducing excess packaging and plastics reduces marine debris!
  • Invest in a reusable items such as coffee cups, water bottles, and reusable bags
  • Keep our beaches clean! Participate in weekly beach cleanups with PacOut Green Team.
  •  Make smart seafood choices, reference the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch guide. 

Why are you thankful for the ocean? 

Surfrider Humboldt wants to see how you are giving thanks to the ocean this week and through the rest of November! Send pictures to humboldt@surfrider.org or #thankshumboldtocean. Top three pictures will be featured on the Humboldt Surfrider website and will receive a prize!