How can you help locally?

August 10, 2025

Helping aquatic life in your local community can start with simple actions like recycling or picking up litter. Physical ways to help include participating in local cleanups, reducing pesticide use, planting native vegetation, and supporting sustainable seafood. Online, you can report pollution, join community conservation groups, or stay informed through local environmental newsletters.

How can you help statewide?

August 11, 2025

At the state level, you can make an even bigger impact. Physically, you can attend public hearings, support marine education centers or aquariums, and advocate for clean water policies. Online, you can sign petitions, follow marine conservation initiatives, or take part in citizen science projects that track water quality or aquatic species across your state.

How can you help globally?

August 12, 2025

Protecting aquatic life around the world can be done from wherever you are. Physically, you can reduce your plastic use, support eco-friendly products, and lower your carbon footprint. Online, you can join global citizen science platforms like Zooniverse, donate to marine conservation efforts, or take online courses to learn more about protecting the oceans and their ecosystems.

Websites for you to help!

August 12, 2025

Whether you’re based in North Carolina, another U.S. state, or looking for global ways to help, here are websites where you can get involved in protecting aquatic life by donating, volunteering, learning, or reporting local issues.

🌊 National & Global Websites (Open to Everyone)

• Zooniverse – Volunteer for citizen science projects including marine biology, ocean mapping, and species identification.
• Ocean Conservancy – Support global ocean cleanup campaigns, participate in the International Coastal Cleanup, and advocate for ocean protection policies.
• SeaLegacy – Help fund visual storytelling campaigns to protect marine ecosystems worldwide.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition – Learn how plastic pollution affects marine life and find campaigns and challenges you can join anywhere.
• iNaturalist – Log aquatic species sightings from anywhere and contribute to global biodiversity data.
• National Geographic Education – Discover marine science activities, curriculum, and virtual events for all ages.

🐚 North Carolina-Specific Resources

• North Carolina Coastal Federation – Volunteer for coastal cleanups, oyster restoration, and shoreline protection projects across NC.
• Sound Rivers – Help protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers by volunteering, donating, or reporting pollution.
• Cape Fear River Watch – Join local advocacy and education programs around the Cape Fear River Basin.
• NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – Report environmental concerns, explore regulations, and participate in public hearings.
• North Carolina Wildlife Federation – Support aquatic habitat programs and species protection throughout the state.

🦀 Resources for Other States

• Florida: Florida State Parks Volunteer Program – Participate in marine park conservation and beach cleanups.
• California: California Coastal Commission Volunteer Hub – Join events like Coastal Cleanup Day or Adopt-A-Beach.
• New York: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Explore environmental volunteer opportunities, including watershed cleanups and educational events.
• Texas: Texas Parks & Wildlife Volunteer Portal – Volunteer for aquatic and coastal projects across the state.
• Washington State: Puget Soundkeeper – Help monitor and clean waterways around Puget Sound.

Use these platforms to make a difference based on where you live or from anywhere in the world. Whether you're restoring habitats, logging species, or supporting education and research, your actions matter! (If you want me to add resources for your state go to the contact page and tell me what state you would like me to add or what one you would like more resources for!)