Credit: https://mastermehmed.com/
Help Bluefin celebrate World Ocean Day this June.
What is World Ocean Day?
World Ocean Day is an international event that takes place every year on June 8th.
Since 1992, the United Nations (UN) have used this day to mark the importance of oceans and to promote sustainable management of its resources. Each year, there is a different theme, with the theme for 2022 being revitalization: collective action for the ocean.
Thousands of events will be hosted by marine specialists, businesses, schools and action groups in over 144 countries. This year, World Ocean Day is also part of a global movement to encourage world leaders to safeguard at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 in its 30×30 campaign.
What is happening to our oceans?
Carbon emissions from human activity such as industry, pollution and deforestation are causing oceans to warm, leading to acidification and depleted fish populations. This has a detrimental effect on ecosystems and throws out natural biodiversity, leading other species to perish. It’s important that we recognise the effect we’re having on our marine life and act now.
Why are oceans so important?
- Oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface and produce half of the planet’s oxygen.
- They absorb around 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- Our oceans control the temperature and weather by absorbing over half the heat reaching us from the sun.
- Over three million people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihood and 60% of the world’s population live along coastlines.
What can I do to support World Ocean Day?
The organisers of World Ocean Day have put together a how-to guide and toolkit this year to help people take part in the 30 x 30 campaign. It has a wealth of resources for children and educators and lots of information about events going on worldwide, including beach cleanups.
Remember, all waterways eventually lead to the ocean, so there’s plenty we can do in our local area along canals, rivers, and estuaries to support the movement.
Take inspiration from Jo Moseley, who staged a waterway clean-up as part of a charity event for the 2 Minute Foundation and The Wave Project. You can read more in our post here.
Watch this space to find out what Bluefin is doing to tackle the issue of pollution and how you can get involved. More details to follow shortly!
