World Oceans Day
Let's Celebrate!

June 8th is World Oceans Day. It's a day to celebrate the majesty of the amazing environment that takes up the biggest part of our planet.

Approximately 71% of the earth's surface is water and a lot of it is in trouble. Pollution, over fishing and a general lack of understanding of this sensitive ecosystem is causing major problems for many of the marine environment’s inhabitants, including sharks.

What can I do for World Oceans Day?

There are plenty of things you can get involved with. There is a list of events on the official WOD website, but even if you're unable to attend an official event there is so much you can do to help.

Recycling

Plastic is a major threat to the marine environment. Hundreds of tonnes of it finds its way into the sea every year. Much of it is washed up on beaches. Perhaps, if you live near a beach, you could organise a beach clean up?

Even if you're nowhere near the sea you can be sure you always recycle any plastic items you use and, where possible, cut down on your use of plastic items.

Making informed choices

Many species of marine life are endangered due to over fishing. Many fishing methods strip the oceans of all living creatures in the area being fished, including many species which are of no use to the fishermen and will simply be thrown back overboard, dead.

You can do your bit by checking the labels on all seafood you buy. Choose seafood caught in a sustainable manner when ever possible.

Inform and educate

Perhaps one of the most important things we can do to help our oceans is to share our love and passion for them. Make use of resources like YouTube and show a friend a beautiful video of dolphins playing in the surf, or a stunning coral reef.

Whenever we can instil love for something we can help it to grow and thrive. The more people we can expose to the beauty of our natural world, the more people will be willing to make choices that are in harmony with it.

Adopt a Shark Unfortunately we couldn't be by the sea on the 8th June but Karen 'dressed for the occasion' anyway. We also did a little something to celebrate the day and we adopted a White Shark from the Shark Trust. So, go out there and celebrate. Spread the word. Tell everyone who will listen why you love the ocean and the creatures in it. And don't just save it for one day a year. Make every day your very own World Oceans Day. Let's make a difference!

Dressed the Part?

Update: 07/07/2012

We have just adopted a basking shark this last week, and soon we will be supporting the whale sharks in the Maldives.

Return to World of Sharks from World Oceans Day