How to Get Involved on World Oceans Day This Year
By Debbie Hanson
May 30, 2023
List of ways to get involved on World Oceans Day by making sustainable seafood choices, eliminating single-use plastics, sharing ocean conservation messages
Why should you learn about World Oceans Day and get involved? The answer is simple. Considering our dependence on the world’s oceans, they don’t receive enough attention and resources. To help create awareness regarding the different challenges our oceans face, the United Nations chooses different themes for World Oceans Day every year. For 2023, the theme will be Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing. Check out a few specific ways you can get involved this year.
World Oceans Day takes place on June 8th every year. The very first Oceans Day was declared on June 8th in 1992, at the Global Forum in Rio de Janeiro (an event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development which provided the opportunity for civil society organizations to express their views on environmental issues).
Attend a World Oceans Day Event
Get involved in one of the World Oceans Day events that are planned worldwide. These include talks, happy hours, film screenings, beach cleanups and more. Find a World Oceans Day event near you, learn more about our oceans, and get inspired to help protect the world’s oceans.
Skip Single-Use Plastics
There are many ways you can help cut down on ocean plastic pollution, but one of the easiest is to avoid single-use plastic items including disposable water bottles, straws, cups and lids, utensils, and bags. For example, start declining plastic bags and take-out containers at restaurants and ask if you can pack your leftovers or take-out food in reusable containers instead.
Make Sustainable Seafood Choices
Certain species of fish and shellfish can be impacted by destructive fishing and farming practices. Make a difference for our ocean by making sustainable seafood choices using guides such as those from the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Safina Center. Sustainable seafood consumer guides can be downloaded, printed out, and carried with you to restaurants and fish markets.
Watch the Virtual Broadcast of World Oceans Day
The annual live broadcast will take place on Thursday, June 8th on UN TV from 10 AM to 1:30 PM Eastern Time. UN World Oceans Day 2023 is hosted by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global, supported by Panerai, with contribution by Discover Earth. Register for this virtual event to receive updates on the full program, featured speakers, and learn ways to amplify the conservation messages associated with World Oceans Day.
