World Oceans Day 2019

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Today (June 8, 2019) is World Oceans Day—a day for people everywhere to celebrate and honor the sea! Whether you’re spending the day spreading awareness or joining a cleanup in your area, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the ocean and all it does for our planet.

HOW WORLD OCEAN’S DAY STARTED

Proposed by the Canadian Government at the Earth Summit in 1992, World Oceans Day was officially first celebrated and promoted in 2002. Its purpose is to raise the profile of the ocean, prompting people to learn, unite and take action to protect the ocean. Since its humble beginnings almost two decades ago, World Oceans Day has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with partners and advocates spanning the globe.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

It’s easy for us scuba divers to think of all the reasons why we love the ocean, but even non-divers have a lot to be thankful for. After all, the ocean comprises 70% of the Earth! Not to mention, it…

  • Produces more than half of our oxygen

  • Provides an accessible means of transportation

  • Regulates our climate and weather patterns

  • Supplies us with food (and not just seafood—elements from the ocean are used in a surprising number of foods, like peanut butter).

  • Yields ingredients for vital medicines

  • Supports the economy, providing millions with jobs

SAVE THE SEA

While healthy oceans are vital to our survival, they aren’t guaranteed. Some very scary things are happening to our planet, threatening our oceans and the creatures within it. From rapid global warming to obscene amounts of litter, our oceans are already feeling the negative impacts of pollution. In fact, 100,000 MARINE CREATURES DIE EACH YEAR as a result of plastic ingestion or entanglement. Even more grim—scientists estimate that by 2050, there will be MORE PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN THAN FISH.

As sickening as this sounds, it’s important to remember that we can solve this crisis. By changing our lifestyles, being conscious about the decisions we’re making and spreading awareness, we can save the sea.

GET INVOLVED

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Ditch plastics, styrofoams and other harmful materials for paper, bamboo and reusable products. By making small shifts, one step at a time, you can avoid the pollutants that are killing the ocean. Find out 7 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE TRASH IN THE OCEAN today.

JOIN AN EVENT

From beach cleanups to awareness campaigns, there are plenty of ways to take action and keep our oceans healthy. CLICK HERE to find an event near you!

SPREAD AWARENESS

Sadly, many are still unaware of the severity and impact of trash in the ocean. Talking about these issues and sharing knowledge can incite positive change.

Celebrate World Oceans Day by doing your part to spread the word! Post about it on social media today and tag @SEARCHSCUBA #WorldsOceanDay #TogetherWeCan #SearchScuba