How to Celebrate World Oceans Day

This year, World Oceans Day falls on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. At Planet Home, we believe every day should be World Oceans Day. The oceans are often considered the lungs of our planet. Oceans provide the world with oxygen by producing marine plants and they help regulate climate and weather patterns by absorbing solar radiation and carbon dioxide. Oceans are also a major source of food, water, and minerals. 

The purpose of World Oceans Day is to educate people about the impact human activity is having on the oceans. World Oceans Day is a time to celebrate all that our oceans provide us and an opportunity to inspire people to take active steps in protecting the world’s oceans. 

World Ocean Day began in 1992 and has already created a worldwide network of ocean advocates. Continue reading to find out how you can take action to protect and celebrate the oceans today, tomorrow, and always!

How the World Celebrates World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is an international day of celebration, which means people around the world will be finding exciting ways to observe this occasion. From Russia to New Zealand, everyone looks forward to World Oceans Day. 

Organizations across the globe are dedicated to creating healthier oceans. For example, this year BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, ClientEarth, Oceana, Seas at Risk, Surfrider Foundation Europe and World Wide Fund for Nature are joining forces to celebrate World Oceans Day with an online event to discuss the challenges that marine and coastal ecosystems face, and the urgency with which the European Union must act to address these challenges.

Over in Sri Lanka, The Pearl Protectors, a youth-led marine conservation group, has organized an online event that combines the power of art and activism. Rena Ortega, a talented ocean advocate, is raising awareness through her art and will be demonstrating how to paint a cosmic whale using watercolors.

How You Can Take Action

1. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean

There are numerous organizations fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Research an organization and consider making either a financial contribution or volunteering your time. If you live near the coast, there may be local groups looking for people to get involved in beach clean-ups. Regardless of where you live, you can sign petitions in support of ocean-friendly legislation and policy.

2. Watch an Ocean Documentary

An important part of being an ocean advocate is staying informed. One way to stay informed about ocean conservation issues is to watch documentaries. This can also be a fun activity to share with friends and family. 

There are dozens of informative documentaries that showcase ocean wildlife and conservation issues. Some ocean documentaries to check out include: A Plastic Ocean, Chasing Coral, and Mission Blue each of which can be found on Netflix. Other incredible documentaries to look out for include Disneynature: Oceans, Sharkwater, The Blue Planet, and The Cove.

3. Join a World Oceans Day Activity or Event

This year there will be a combination of virtual and in-person events happening in celebration of World Oceans Day. Ranging from beach cleanups, film screenings, festivals, lectures, readings, virtual summits, and more. Here you can find a comprehensive list of events happening this year. 

4. Breathe Deep & Appreciate the Ocean

World Oceans Day is the perfect time to reflect on your connection to the ocean. Consider the countless ways in which oceans provide for us. Write in a journal or simply meditate on the relationship you have with the ocean. For example, I feel a deep sense of appreciation and wonder when I think about the ocean. 

One beautiful thought to contemplate could be to remind yourself that more than half of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere is produced by marine plants. As you breathe in and out, reflect on your connection to the ocean, and stay inspired to continue this advocacy work as we strive for healthier oceans.