The seas and oceans of the world have played an important part in the life of human societies since man first put out from shore and have been, inevitably, the subject of strife and contention. The survival of this significant source of life is heavily threatened in the face of social development. This situation has been a major cause of concern for environmentalists and various organizations, which have invested massively to preserve the environment.

One of the most pressing problems regarding the sea today concerns not its resources, but its conservation. There are limits to the amount of waste that can be absorbed by the oceans.

The toxic suffocation, together with the savage exploitation of the oceans, is weighing heavily on our lives. Sewage, pulpmill wastes, fertilizers, soaps, detergents, radioactive waste, synthetic fibres, plastics, oils, tar, grease and insecticides are pollutants that man has dumped in our earth?s oceans.

Added to this oppressive presence of wastes, the increasing mining at sea is adding to the toll. It should be noted that air pollution is responsible for 33% of the contaminants that end up in oceans and coastal zones.

The total length of the world?s coast lines is about 504,000 km, enough to circle the Equator twelve times. As coastal zones become more and more crowded, the quality of these zones suffer, wildlife is displaced and the shorelines erode. 60% of the Pacific and 35% of the Atlantic coast shoreline are eroding at a rate of one metre every year.

The oceans contain enormous resources of energy, food and raw materials. Judiciously exploited, these resources could make a significant difference to man?s survival and the quality of his life in an over-populated world.

In Mauritius, the sound of the bell gets louder around the World Environment Day. Attention is drawn to the fast degrading seas of this island. It is the heavy price we are paying for unplanned exploitation and lack of adequate preservation of our coastal zones. Innumerable campaigns, radio and television programmes and talks are used to focus on the issue. This passive sensitization will be given full media coverage and will last until some other issue takes over.

If conferences could solve problems, our society would have been the paradise it claims to be? In a sincere attempt to save our seas, the authorities have voted numerous laws, which have yet to give the desired results. Today we are moving towards preservation actions.

We are learning to accept the site of wire barriers on our beaches to prevent erosion. The exploitation of the sea is supposed to be under control and the plantation of mangroves in some areas reminds us of the ecological issue.

Hope lies in man ??Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable??

We can only hope that our life is sustained through that of the oceans and that it is not compromised.