Oceans cover about 71 percent of Earth's surface. They produce much of the oxygen we breathe, regulate the climate, provide food for billions of people and are home to an incredible variety of life. World Oceans Day, on June 8, celebrates the oceans and encourages people to protect them from threats such as pollution, overfishing and climate change.
History of World Oceans Day
The idea of a World Oceans Day was proposed in 1992 by the government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a major United Nations conference on environment and development. Over the following years, ocean organizations and aquariums celebrated the day informally.
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized June 8 as World Oceans Day, and the first official UN observance took place in 2009. Each year has a theme, and events range from beach cleanups to film screenings and scientific talks.
Ocean research continues to reveal new discoveries. Scientists estimate that much of the ocean remains unexplored, and new species are found regularly.
Why World Oceans Day Matters
Healthy oceans are essential for life on Earth. Tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton produce a large share of the world's oxygen.
Oceans face serious challenges, including plastic pollution, overfishing, warming waters and coral bleaching.
The day also celebrates the beauty and wonder of the sea, from coral reefs to whales. People who live far from the coast can still help, since litter and runoff from inland areas often travel through rivers to the ocean.
Many coastal communities depend on healthy oceans for their livelihoods through fishing, tourism and shipping. Protecting marine habitats like coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds also helps protect coastlines from storms. Ocean health is connected to the food on our plates, the weather we experience and the economy, even for people who live far from the sea.
How to Celebrate World Oceans Day
- Join a cleanup: help clean a beach, river or lake.
- Cut plastic: use reusable bags, bottles and straws.
- Choose sustainable seafood: look for responsibly sourced labels.
- Visit an aquarium: learn about ocean life.
- Watch a documentary: explore the deep sea.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can reduce single-use plastics, organize a cleanup or support an ocean conservation group. In classrooms, students can learn about ocean zones and marine life, test how long different materials take to break down, or create ocean art from recycled materials. At home, families can visit an aquarium or beach, read books about sea creatures, and practice reducing plastic waste. Even inland, picking up litter helps keep it out of waterways that lead to the ocean.
Fun Facts About World Oceans Day
- Oceans cover about 71% of Earth's surface.
- Canada proposed World Oceans Day in 1992.
- The UN officially recognized the day in 2008.
World Oceans Day FAQs
When is World Oceans Day?
World Oceans Day is June 8.
Who proposed World Oceans Day?
Canada, at the 1992 Earth Summit.
When did the UN recognize it?
In 2008.
How can I help the oceans?
Reduce plastic, join cleanups and choose sustainable seafood.