When you learn about something you value, you understand it; when you understand it, you respect it; and when you respect it, you protect it.

The ocean takes care of us. Let's return the favor. Read about five things you can do to thank the ocean, by clicking here.

1. Learn all you can about the oceans, especially Cordell Bank

Explore all the sites in the National Marine Sanctuary Program at: www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov

Also explore the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at: www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov

Attend a Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting: http://cordellbank.noaa.gov/council/welcome.html

Many marine animals mistake plastic bags and other forms of trash for food or may become entangled in it.

2. Place all trash especially non-biodegradable plastics in proper receptacles.

3. Puncture inflated balloons after use and dispose of properly.

4. Protect wildlife by disposing of fishing lines and nets properly, not in or near the water.

The water we use comes from and eventually goes back into our watershed affecting our coastal and offshore waters including Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Conserve it and keep it clean.

5. Use water sparingly when watering your lawn and washing your car as well as for all other household chores.

6. Reduce or better yet eliminate the use of household non-biodegradable chemicals and detergents.

7. Reduce, or better yet eliminate the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers on your lawns.

8. Reduce automobile pollution by using carpools, using fuel-efficient vehicles, recycling motor oil and keeping your vehicles in good working condition.

9. Use xeriscaping and native plants to reduce the amount of water needed for home and business landscaping purposes.

10. Plant trees to offset the amount of carbon dioxide for which you are personally responsible. Visit www.americanforests.org or www.betterworldclub.com or www.futureforests.com to find out what you can do.

Many pollutants from power plants become airborne and end up in the ocean through rain and other precipitation. By reducing the use of power in your home you can help protect our air and oceans.

11. Turn off lights and appliances including the television when you are not in the room.

12. In the summer set the thermostat at 80 degrees F or higher, and in the winter set it at 68 degrees F or lower.

13. Inspect your wall outlets, windows and doors for air leaks.

14. Use shades and/or curtains or insulated windows and doors to reduce heat transfers.

Many animals may become dependent and/or are harmed by interactions with unkind humans.

15. Protect wildlife by not feeding sea animals including birds, sea turtles, dolphins and whales.

16. Protect ocean wildlife by not disturbing the nests and nesting grounds of shore birds and sea turtles.

The most fun part of fishing is catching. Help make sure there will be fish in your future to catch.

17. Learn before you go fishing, contact your local CA Fish and Game office about local fishing regulations: www.dfg.ca.gov

18. Practice ethical fishing methods by learning how to properly catch and release.

19. Fish only species that are not of concern, threatened or endangered

20. Know the size limits, bag limits and seasons of the fish you are catching. Several websites list state and federal regulations:
www.dfg.ca.gov (inshore and to 3 miles offshore)
www.pcouncil.org (3-200 miles offshore)

21. Be a smart shopper, choose your seafood responsibly. Several websites offer advice on purchasing seafood including:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Audubon Society
Seafood Choices Alliance
The Natural Resources Defense Counsel
Ocean Trust