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World Ocean Day is June 8, 2008
NEW! Watch "Our Ocean" photo essay >>
World Ocean Day was established during the Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 to raise awareness of the important connection between people and the ocean.
World Ocean Day is a time to take a hard look at the current state of our oceans … and at our responsibility as stewards of the earth to protect the ocean from harm.
United we can summon the vision, common sense and political will to restore our ocean’s health, and the life-giving services it provides to everyone on this magnificent planet.
Read the commentary piece by Wallace J. Nichols, that shares how we all can make a difference on World Ocean Day and beyond. >>
- Walk the Line. Global warming is affecting our ocean right now. Reduce your carbon footprint by walking or cycling. These activities are also good for your health and are a great way to spend time with friends and family.
- Forgo the straw. Small actions make a big difference for the ocean. For example, many drink straws and stirrers wind up in the water try doing without; it’s easier than you think.
- Pass on Styrofoam. Styrofoam coolers and food containers break into bits that seemingly last forever, polluting marine environments. Instead, choose a durable coolers and food containers that you can use for years.
- Leave only footprints. Whether you are heading for a cabin on a lake, a streamside campsite, or a cottage at the ocean, remember that huge quantities of trash wind up in the water, degrading water quality and harming marine life. Pack up your trash and dispose of it properly.
- Use an ash tray. Smoking-related items like cigarette butts are a big component of trash found in the ocean; if you smoke, don’t use the sand or water as your ashtray.
- Pack a trash bag. Make great memories with family and friends: Bring a trash bag and plan a ten-minute mini-cleanup of your favorite vacation spot. Help ensure that it stays pristine for future generations.
- Brake for wildlife. Save dolphins, whales, turtles, manatees and other ocean wildlife by observing safe boat speeds when traveling in their territory. Going slow also allows you to see and appreciate more of your beautiful surroundings.
- Hold the line. Discarded fishing line is downright dangerous. It entangles and kills wildlife. Be sure yours ends up in the trash can, not the water.
- Know what you are eating. Demand for seafood is growing but many species have been overfished; cod in New England, red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific rockfish on the west coast. When choosing seafood at restaurants or to cook at home, ask if retailers offer sustainably caught and managed seafood, a sea change begins with simple decisions everyday.
- Hold that balloon. If you are celebrating, tether helium or Mylar balloons carefully. Released, they eventually deflate and fall into the water where they kill sea turtles that mistake them for edible jellyfish.
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