8 Ways to Celebrate World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day takes place annually on June 8th. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"World Oceans Day" was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. The international day supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters public interest in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources.
Here at Sea Smart, we believe in the power of education and action. Here are eight ocean-friendly actions you can take to celebrate World Ocean Day. Scroll to the bottom for a special offer from Sea Smart!
1. REDUCE PLASTIC USE
Single-use plastic products such as plastic bags or plastic bottles end up in our oceans if these plastics aren’t recycled. These plastic bottles or bags break up into microplastics, which are then ingested by marine life. Ultimately, microplastics are ingested by humans when they eat seafood. Microplastics negatively impact all levels of the food chain.
Help reduce plastic consumption by bringing reusable bags and mugs with you when you go out.
2. ADVOCATE FOR ENVIRONMENTALISM
Tell your friends and families about the importance of living and advocating for an eco-friendly lifestyle. Share tips with your friends about how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle by using less plastic, driving less, and shopping for local produce. Most importantly, set an example for those around you.
3. PARTICIPATE IN A SHORELINE CLEANUP
Shoreline cleanups are a great way to help protect our oceans. By joining a shoreline pickup, you’re actively preventing plastics on beaches from impacting marine life.
4. SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT SAVE OUR OCEANS
Support organizations, such as Sea Smart, that are empowering youth, businesses, teachers, and communities to protect our oceans. You can support by donating, volunteering, or participating in programs, such as Sea Smart’s summer camps in Vancouver for youth.
5. TRAVEL THE OCEAN RESPONSIBLY
Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you when you’re travelling across the ocean. Choose eco-friendly hotels and resorts whenever possible. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
6. AVOID DOLPHIN SHOWS
Documentaries such as Black Fish and The Cove have helped the general public become aware about issues with keeping marine mammals in captivity. Avoid spending your money on these shows to help protect marine mammals.
7. DON’T PURCHASE PRODUCTS THAT HARM MARINE LIFE
Products such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products harm our fragile and delicate marine life. Avoid buying such products to protect our oceans.
And finally, if you live in the Lower Mainland…
8. PARTICIPATE IN SEA SMART’S EXPLORE THE SHORE CHALLENGE!
Sea Smart's Explore the Shore Challenge is the perfect adventure to get outdoors with your loved ones while exploring our local beaches and supporting ocean conservation. Vancouverites can discover new outdoor locations with these 20 ocean-friendly challenges. Spend time together outside, discover local beaches, and support ocean conservation! And, in celebration of World Ocean Day, the challenge is FREE to download from June 3-13, 2022!
Sea Smart is a charity that delivers a diverse and innovative range of educational programs that are empirically-developed and derived from current ocean issues to empower youth, businesses, teachers, and communities to take action and power our wave of change throughout the world.
From school workshops, online courses, and summer camps at the beach, to team-building beach cleanups and lunch & learns, our professional team of marine biologists and environmental educators are passionate about educating and inspiring all of us to become ocean heroes.
