Every year on June 8th people from all over come together to celebrate and advocate for the world’s oceans. Our great oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface area and are essential to life: from regulating our climate to producing half of the oxygen we breathe, it surely is something worth protecting.

This year’s theme is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. The second part of a two-year action plan, it aims to use transformative collaboration to ensure a healthier planet and more sustainable and equitable societies. Read more about their goals and action plan here.

World Ocean Day was officially recognized in 2008 to support the implementation of global sustainable development goals and to enhance public interest in the protection and sustainable management of our oceans. Each year, a new theme is announced to define that year’s goals and better engage with the masses.

However, one message rings loud every year: everyone can create change. No matter how near or far you are to the ocean, differences can be made. Small changes in your daily life, to large donations or engagement, can create a meaningful impact. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure you spread the word. Education is the key to successful activism. Simple conversations with your friends or family makes waves (pun intended), supporting the movement for healthier oceans and an overall healthier planet.

Here are a few other ways to create meaningful change:

If you live near a coast-

-Participate in a beach cleanup (or bring a bag for trash with you next time you head for a tan!)

-Attend local events supporting local beaches and aquatic ecosystems

-Opt for sunscreen labeled “Reef Safe” to avoid adding extra pollutants into the ecosystem

For everyone near and far-

-Eat locally caught seafood or seafood that is sustainably caught or farmed

-Donate to ocean conservation organizations

-Reduce plastic use (plastic is the #1 pollutant of our oceans!)

-Educate yourself on the wonders of our big blue beauty (she truly is amazing)

-Watch a documentary or two (I recommend Mission Blue and The Cove)

-Appreciate our oceans and all they give us

To find out more ways to help out, check out World Ocean Day’s 12 Months of Action.

Activism doesn’t always look like massive donations or grandeur actions, it can be as simple as talking with people, reading a book, or picking up a few bits of trash on your walk home.

Activism is accessible, so let's access it!