Every day, our oceans continue to become polluted with trash left behind by careless people who dispose of their trash on the seashore. The litter infiltrates our oceans as the waves pull the trash farther into the sea. Marine animals such as turtles, sea lions, and seagulls are all affected by the floating garbage. These animals consume the trash, which harms them. That’s why Cardozo’s Ocean Preservatory Club aims to protect our great bodies of water.

The club aims to educate students on the different marine life and how human actions can provoke the death of many aquatic animals. Causes of marine life endangerment is another important factor the club wants to teach, and various ways to preserve our oceans.

Anna Luu, junior and co-president of Ocean Preservatory, explained the origin of the preservation club. She admited that Jane Cheng, the second co-president, came up with the idea of an ocean preservation club.

“We knew that we wanted to advocate for a critical matter that warrants even more attention and acknowledgement than it’s currently receiving, especially within our school. The ocean is a very special place for both Jane and I, and after brainstorming, Jane suddenly got the insight of an ocean club,” she explained. 

Every other Friday, the club members observe presentations on various topics such as occurring issues in the oceans, such as pollution. These presentations allow students to learn about the reality of ocean life, which isn’t always the brightest.

The presentations also emphasize the importance of cleaning up our oceans, and giving ideas on how as a community, we can come together to clean our oceans.

As the club keeps growing, so are their plans. Luu mentioned hands-on activities and events to allow students to get involved in the fight to clean our seas.

“As the club is progressing, we’ll create arts and crafts to bring attention to environmental and animal endangerment. We’ll also partake in community services, hold fundraising events, and expand our club outside the confines of our school by reaching out to many different organizations.”

Luu understands the importance of working together as a community for a common purpose, stating, “We need your help! Jane and I started this club with the purpose of inspiring compassion, and ambition within Cardozo students and beyond to fight for the preservation of our oceans.”

Check out the Ocean Preservatory Club’s Instagram and inquire about joining on their Google Classroom page.