Our planet’s oceans are a crucial factor in life on Earth, with scientific evidence showing that much of the life on land can trace its roots back to the sea. They play an integral role in human life, offering jobs, food, medicines, international trade and travel, and virtually limitless opportunities to study biology and the origins of the planet’s plentiful life. Basically, without them, we simply wouldn’t be.
The realization and celebration of that fact is what led to the creation of World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8 since 1992, and officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. It is the collaboration of efforts between The Ocean Project and World Ocean Network, who were looking for a way to bring the plight of oceans due to overfishing, pollution, climate change, and other destructive forces to the public’s attention in a way that would also encourage people’s appreciation of all that the oceans provide.
The theme of World Oceans Day 2013 is “Together we have the power to protect the ocean.” This has never been more true than in this day and age when social media and improving technology allow ordinary people from any part of the world to actively participate in ocean conservation efforts. There are a number of ways to celebrate World Oceans Day, like volunteering for a beach cleanup, booking a whale watching tour, or writing local and other government officials to encourage them to make laws that protect marine environments and animals.
You can even commit to changing your lifestyle in a way that will create less waste and pollution that eventually find their way to the sea. Check within your community for classes, workshops, or other activities to educate yourself on conservation issues and how you can help. Becoming an activist for ocean conservation doesn’t mean adopting a completely new persona or getting yourself arrested for what you believe in — all it requires is that you act.
Image via DeusXFlorida
