On June 8, the global celebration World Oceans Day [WOD] will recognize and honor the sea, not just for its connection that links all of humanity, but for what it provides and what it has come to represent. First proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit by the Canadian government, WOD has since become an international celebration in honor of the sea, and officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, marking June 8 the day of our sea. Getting a head start, The Ocean Project and The World Ocean Network have organized WOD events worldwide since 2002, promoting a twofold agenda: Celebrate the world’s oceans for all that it gives, and raise awareness on the current state of the oceans today, while encouraging conservation efforts.
Water is arguably the most important resource this planet has to offer, and according to NOAA it generates more than half of the oxygen humans breathe, while oceanic currents and sea levels affect earth’s climate and sustainability, making the education of conservation priceless to all human beings.
In 2013, with more than 600 WOD events took place worldwide, while thousands made Ocean Promises, an initiative for individuals to take an active role to help with ocean health daily. This year, The Ocean Project is looking to break the high-water mark with 1,000 events, and helping with the breach will be two Palm Beach County events to give visitors a better appreciation of the marine ecosystem:
On June 8, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium will dedicate the day to the seas as it celebrates WOD in the fantastic Aquariums of the Atlantic. The 3,000-square-foot, 8,000-gallon aquarium will act as a backdrop for ocean conservation presentations, ocean-themed crafts, up-close interactions with sea life in the touch tank, and an “Under the Sea” story time with the Palm Beach County Library System.
- The celebration will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Admission is $14 for adults, $10.50 for kids.
- For more information, visit sfsciencecenter.org.
For a saltier WOD, Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach will be touting the WOD slogan “small fish can make a whale of a difference” on June 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Starting at 11 a.m., guests can join LMC crew to make an immediate impact on the ocean with a beach cleanup. Following the beach cleanup, LMC will expound the importance of ocean conservation with a day full of eco-friendly activities, including: ocean-themed arts and crafts (the perfect time to make that Ocean Promise), become a junior research assistants at the Children’s Research Station, observe sea turtles in the recovery tanks, among other fun activities and learning experiences.
- LMC’s WOD celebration will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- For more information, visit marinelife.org.
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