9 easy ways to celebrate World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day is an annual event that takes place on June 8 to celebrate the ocean and learn about ways to protect it. It was proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada. This proposal was put forward at the Earth Summit of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
This year's theme is "Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean". The ocean plays a vital role in our planet's ecology, and we need to do everything we can to protect it.
The UN states the following regarding the choice of theme this year:
“The ocean connects, sustains, and supports us all. Yet its health is at a tipping point and so is the well-being of all that depends on it. As the past years have shown us, we need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.”
Quick facts about the ocean
The ocean is the largest and deepest body of water on Earth.
It makes up about 71% of the Earth's surface and contains 97% of the Earth's water.
The ocean has an average depth of about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and a maximum depth of about 11,000 meters (36,000 feet).
It is estimated that we have only explored between 5 and 15% of our oceans.
The rest remains unexplored and unmapped. Who knows what wonders await future generations?
The ocean is also home to more than 1 million species of plants and animals, including nearly 20,000 species of fish.[1,2]
The ocean plays a vital role in the Earth's climate and weather patterns. It helps regulate the Earth's temperature and absorbs carbon dioxide, which helps reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The ocean also provides a major source of food for people around the world as fish is the main source of protein for nearly 3 billion people.[3,4]
The ocean is under threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Pollution from plastic trash, chemicals, and oil spills is harming marine life and polluting the water. This might explain why the UN Sustainable Development Goals identified floating plastic debris as the most rapidly expanding area of scientific research.[5] Overfishing is causing many fish populations to decline, and climate change is making the ocean warmer and more acidic.[5] These threats are putting not only the ocean's ecosystems at risk, but our global system as well.
The ocean is a vital part of our planet, and we need to protect it. We can do this by reducing our pollution, protecting vulnerable marine life, and working to mitigate climate change. This is going to take a village though with the actions of every level of stakeholder.
9 easy ways to celebrate World Oceans Day
Ocean Week Canada has taken a number of steps to help people learn more about the ocean and how they can help protect it. Though some local organizations are doing incredible work. Sea Smart is a Vancouver-based charity that delivers programs & educational resources to inspire love and action for the ocean. Sea Smart offers engaging, science-based programs and resources for schools, families, corporate teams, and the general public. Their professional team of marine biologists and environmental educators are passionate about educating and inspiring all of us to become ocean heroes.
In celebration of #WorldOceanDay, #OceanWeekCanada, and the United Nations’ Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Sea Smart is currently offering its Explore the Shore resource for free. This all-ages activity guide is designed to help families and friends get outside to enjoy their natural surroundings. Their summer camps at the beach are also open for registration for local youth ages 6-10.
We also recommend heading over to the Science & Nature page where you can follow our social media for weekly benefits on the power of nature.
Now for some other ways to celebrate World Ocean Day
Learn about the ocean and its inhabitants. There are incredible resources available online and in libraries. The more you know about the ocean, the more you’ll be able to appreciate its importance. Even better is when you share what you’ve learned with others. This can be as simple as starting a conversation or giving a presentation to a local business or non-profit.
Support ocean conservation organizations. Donate to or volunteer for organizations working to protect the ocean and its wildlife. This is a great way to have a direct impact on the work and programs already in place.
Go for a safe swim in a nearby body of water. Even in landlocked communities, there is a sense of being connected to our global waters. Remember, all water is connected and leads back to the ocean. This can make for a powerful, almost meditative experience as you float. Be mindful of your surroundings and only swim in areas where it is safe to do so. Remember to never touch or remove anything from the ocean or waterway (unless it’s plastic!).
Watch a documentary about the ocean. There are many great films and documentaries that focus on different aspects of the ocean. This is a great way to learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants, and the innovations being built to foster cleaner waters for all.
Join the 30x30 pledge. Signing this pledge means you commit to helping protect 30% of the world's lands, waters and ocean by 2030. Initiatives like these recognize the vital role that oceans play in global biodiversity. Current strategies include strategic partnerships, moratoriums on harmful activities like deep sea mining, and pushing for international treaties to protect territory that spans national borders.
Take part in a beach clean-up event. There are many ways to help protect the ocean and its inhabitants. You can start by reducing your own plastic consumption or picking up trash when you see it. Whatever actions you take, however small, will make a difference. This is a great way to help keep our oceans and waterways clean. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other like minded people in your community!
Go for a hike along the coast. Enjoy the fresh air and take in the incredible views. Be sure to clean up any trash you may see along the way.
Attend a World Ocean Day event. Many communities host events to celebrate this important day and offer resources for social media, infographics for educators, and more! Check out some of the resources.
Share your love for the ocean on social media. Use the hashtags #WorldOceanDay and #ProtectOurOcean to help raise awareness. You can also share ocean-themed photos, artwork, and stories.
How will you be celebrating World Ocean Day? Share your plans in the comments below!
The goal of World Ocean Day is to help people learn more about the ocean and how they can help protect it. There are many ways to celebrate World Ocean Day, some of which are listed above. These include learning more about the ocean, supporting conservation organizations, and taking part in activities like beach clean-ups.
Whatever actions you take, however small, will make a difference.
Resources and Organizations
References
Mora, Camilo, et al. "How many species are there on Earth and in the ocean?." PLoS biology 9.8 (2011): e1001127.
Bouchet, Philippe. "The magnitude of marine biodiversity." The exploration of marine biodiversity: scientific and technological challenges (2006): 31-62.
Tidwell, James H., and Geoff L. Allan. "Fish as food: aquaculture's contribution." EMBO reports 2.11 (2001): 958-963.
Béné, Christophe, et al. "Feeding 9 billion by 2050–Putting fish back on the menu." Food Security 7.2 (2015): 261-274.
Nair-Bedouelle, Shamila. "The race against time for smarter development." Bulletin of the American Physical Society (2022).
Falkenberg, Laura J., et al. "Ocean acidification and human health." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17.12 (2020): 4563.