June 8: World's Ocean Day

The ocean generates most of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, cleans our drinking water and feeds us. And it’s in trouble.

Oceans Day, June 8th, is a time to remember the life-giving role of oceans worldwide. This year’s theme “Oceans...only a river away!” reminds us the actions we take in our own backyard have a positive or negative affect on our oceans.

All the water we have is here on Earth and water resources are becoming limited. The ocean faces serious threats from climate change as it heat up and becomes too acidic from all the carbon dioxide humans produced. Coral reefs are dying, salmon and other fish populations are disappearing, marine mammals are starving and invasive species and diseases are spreading into our rivers and lakes. Our coastal cities are in danger and we have water shortages throughout the world.

World Ocean Day is a collaboration between The World Ocean Network (WON) and The Ocean Project. They are working together with aquariums, science centres, museums, charities and NGOs and educational and environmental organizations all over the world to promote get everyone involved conserving our oceans.

More than 50 countries are participating in World Ocean Day holding workshops, free entry to oceanographic centers and aquariums, film screenings, exhibitions, conferences, and celebrations. The “Citizen of the Ocean” passport is being distributed all over the world by the World Ocean Network partners.

Here are some recommended activities from the World Ocean Network:

Get to know and respect rivers, lakes, swamps or the coastline of the region.

Learn about and collect information regarding water pollution problems and alert the relevant authorities.

Provide support to environmental protection and sustainable development organizations.

Participate in actions to protect fragile marine areas: coastlines, coral reefs, mangroves and support the extension of protected marine areas.

Don’t dump pollutants, for example used motor oil, into the water or on the ground. Take it to a place where it is collected

Do not fish or buy fish that are too small; they won’t be able to develop or reproduce

Diversify your purchases and do not buy over-fished species.

Discover and share new fish and seafood recipes; learn to prepare species that are not usually consumed.

Pay attention to information on shipwrecks involving oil tankers and toxic products. Help clean polluted areas.

Support an environmental defence association, sustainable development educational organization or international conservation body.

Encourage people who enjoy the sea not to throw their waste into the water.

Sign petitions against ocean pollution, environmental and human rights violations.

"Protection of our oceans starts with the protection of our rivers, and protection of our rivers starts with you!"
Members of WON



Tags: fish, oceantag cloud.