Last month we took a look at ocean garbage patches – those big islands of plastic that accumulate in the sea, what’s being done to manage them and how we as individuals can help. You can read more here.

During the month of June we celebrate World Oceans Day, and this year’s theme is ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’. The year’s theme is especially relevant in the lead-up to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030.

 

1 - Watch the virtual celebration

If you missed the World Oceans Day live stream event, you can watch it any time here. The event features thought-leaders, celebrities, community voices, experts and entrepreneurs talking about the biodiversity and economic opportunity that the ocean sustains. 

2 - Check out the photo gallery

Discover the beauty of the oceans thanks to the photo contest organised by the United Nations on the occasion of World Oceans Day. Visit here to see some of the incredible entries. 

3 - Go on a virtual sea exploration

Throughout the month of June you can enjoy virtual events, chats, and even go on expedition with experts. There’s a Deep Sea Coral Exploration with Schmidt Ocean, reports on what we can do for marine conservation from experts in the Seychelles, Japan and Trinidad and Tobago. Visit here for the full calendar of events. 

4 - Watch a documentary about the ocean

Watching a doco is great way to learn more about the sea and its inhabitants. Blue Planet II (Amazon Prime, Discovery Plus), Our Planet (Netflix) and David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef (Amazon Prime) all give fascinating insights, for more suggestions try our wrap-up of five amazing ocean docos. 

5 - Clean up your local beach or waterway

Head to your nearest beach or waterway during the month of June and collect any plastic waste you find. There’s plenty of great initiatives such as Take 3 For the Sea which explain how you can help. It can be a really fun ‘scavenger hunt’ type activity to do with kids of any age!

Did you know?

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet's oxygen! 

Thanks for keeping our oceans clean and forests green!
Pure Planet Club Team