Celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8, 2009
Recognizing Link Between Earth’s Health and Condition of the Oceans
Apr 17, 2009
While World Oceans Day has not received the amount of attention that Earth Day does, it is important to be aware that the oceans are an important part of the planet’s ecosystem. Taking steps to protect the marine environment on World Oceans Day will have a positive impact on the overall health of the earth
History of World Oceans Day
The Canadian government proposed designating June 8 as World Oceans Day at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Since then, although there is little international government recognition of the date, many organizations concerned with conserving the marine ecosystem have continued to use the day to promote the need for restoring the health of the oceans.
Threats to Ocean Health
There are multiple ways in which the health of the world’s oceans is being damaged. But three key issues stand out.
- Acidification – the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As those carbon dioxide levels have increased the pH of ocean has changed and many ocean species, such as corals are being affected.
- Overfishing – The problem of overfishing has reached a level whereby some fish species may become extinct. More concerning is the fact that very little is known about the populations of many fish species.
- Plastics and Other Debris – The infamous North Pacific Gyre, where tons of plastic float in a huge mass, has been nicknamed the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In addition to the danger of marine animals such as sea turtles and seabirds swallowing or becoming entangled in the debris, toxic chemicals leach into the ocean from the disintegrating plastic.
Celebrating World Ocean Day by Addressing Threats to the Marine Ecosystem
There are some easy ways to be a part of a global effort to restore the health of the world’s oceans.
- Reducing Carbon Footprints – Use World Ocean Day as a starting point for an ongoing effort to reduce energy consumption, such as leaving the car at home and changing to more energy efficient lights such as the new long lasting LED bulbs.
- Support Sustainable Fishing – Use the Marine Stewardship Council’s fishery certification information to decide which fish products to buy
- Reduce Use of and Recycle Plastics – Using fewer plastic products and recycling those that are used helps in several ways. It cuts down the energy used in manufacturing those products and it reduces the chance of any more plastics making their way into the world’s oceans.
Celebrations like Earth Day and World Oceans Day serve as reminders of the need to increase efforts to reduce the impact humans have on the planet. They should also be days to truly celebrate the existence of the earth and its oceans.
 |
