Since it was first proposed by the Canadian government in 1992, World Oceans Day has not stopped growing.
In 2008, the United Nations passed a resolution officially designating 8 June as World Oceans Day. In 2010, 300 events were recorded worldwide, an increase of 26 percent from the previous year. Dozens of countries participate, and recently joining the cause were Bangladesh, Belgium, French Polynesia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenuya, Malta, Malaysia, Venezuela and Portugal.
Once again this year, there’s no shortage of activities marking World Oceans Day.
Environmental NGO Oceana used the ocassion to release a report on how saving the oceans can help feed Earth’s projected population of 9 billion by 2050. The report explains how implementing science-based fisheries management in the 25 countries that control more than 75 percent of the world’s fish stocks will increase stocks to the point that wild seafood could sustainably feed 700 million people a day.
All week, New England Aquarium has been hosting an array of Oceans Day activities, including hands-on activities for kids and narrated harbor cruises. Monterey Bay Aquarium on Saturday and Sunday will present special programing from live music to sustainable seafood cooking demonstrations. Vancouver Aquarium is teaming up with World Wildlife Fund-Canada and SeaChoice for a series of family-friendly activities.
Restaurants are also participating in the occasion. Rubio’s, the California-based fast-casual chain known for its fish tacos, is holding a “Stand Up for the Ocean” story contest, where for each entry received the company will donate USD 1 to a charity. In addition, restaurants will be giving away reusable tote bags on Friday.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, a group of restaurants have been asking customers to add a GBP 1 donation to their bill in support of the work of Surfers Against Sewage and its campaign for clean and safe recreational water.
For a full list of World Oceans Day events across the globe, click here.
