Waves of change, oceans of opportunity: World Oceans Day and the Aquarium

By Ingrid Sinclair / 8 June 2010

Today, June 8, marks World Oceans Day. Almost 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and each of us relies on healthy oceans to provide most of the oxygen we breath and much of the food we eat, as well as medicinal ingredients and other survival essentials.

Beyond regulating our planet’s climate and supporting essential ecosystems that provide food, minerals and other resources, the oceans are a source of life, recreation, transportation and even spiritual upliftment (just ask any scuba diver).

It’s totally fitting, then, that the oceans – two of which (the Indian and the Atlantic) meet off South African shores – have been given their own special day that’s being celebrated all over the world.

This year’s theme is Our oceans: opportunities and challenges and it serves to highlight the countless ways in which the oceans contribute to our daily existence, our economies and the planet’s homeostasis. The ocean provides recreation (in the form of snorkelling and diving), a means of transport, a huge tourism resource and a platform for agriculture, fishing and mining. It is a source of “clean” hydro-electricity, a subject of research, discovery and education and even the main driver of our planet’s biodiversity.

This is only the second time that the international day is being formally observed; June 8 was officially declared World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009. It is envisaged as an opportunity for individuals, organisations and governments to spread awareness about our personal connection to the seas, about the crucial role that oceans play in our lives, and the important ways people can help to protect them.

It’s a sad reality that over-fishing, destructive fishing, pollution, global warming and invasive alien species threaten marine life, fisheries, coastal communities and national economies. Across the globe there is increasing concern about the state of the oceans. We need to take action to protect them.

By making small changes in your life, you can make a positive impact on the future of our oceans. Help motivate people to take conservation action and, together, we can make a real difference!

The seven Cs for ocean conservation:

1. Commit to making a real difference
Aim to be carbon neutral this year by reducing your energy consumption and offsetting the remainder. 

2. Conserve in your home
Upgrade to “greener” appliances and install compact fluorescent light bulbs.
 
3. Consume consciously
Rethink what you “need”, purchase “green” products, and buy locally grown foods and sustainable seafood – visit SASSI for a complete list of what seafood you should and shouldn’t be buying.

4. Communicate your interests and concerns
Share your concerns about a healthy ocean with your friends, family, colleagues, and the local media.

5. Challenge yourself daily
It’s not always easy, but try to walk, bike, carpool, and take public transportation to cut down your carbon emissions.

6. Connect in your community
Meet new friends and make a difference by getting active as a volunteer with a local watershed or ocean group.

7. Celebrate our ocean!
Visit the Aquarium, take a stroll on the beach, go diving or snorkelling, go on a sunset ocean cruise, watch the waves, go surfing or body boarding, build sandcastles on the beach with your kids – whatever you do, enjoy the seas and all they have to offer!

Click here for more on our conservation projects, and here for more on how you can go green.