World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8th to raise awareness of the importance of the world's oceans.

Why is World Oceans Day important?

World Oceans Day helps raise awareness about the crucial role of oceans for biodiversity and as a source of life. Educating others on issues like overfishing and habitat destruction can encourage action to protect and preserve oceans - both on a community level and through policy change.

Why we need to protect ocean life

Whales and dolphins add intrinsic value to our oceans as wild animals and should be protected and celebrated within their natural habitat.

Not only are they sentient, charismatic emblems of our seas and indicators of the health of marine ecosystems, but they have the power to inspire millions of people to care about our oceans.

World Animal Protection is working to make this the last generation of whales and dolphins to suffer for profit so that they can remain wild and free in the sea.

 

 

 

 

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The UN World Oceans Day

The origin of World Oceans Day can be traced to 1992 when the Canadian administration introduced the concept during the Earth Summit. Subsequently, in 2008, the United Nations formally acknowledged and endorsed the official World Oceans Day.

World Oceans Day facts

• The ocean covers two-thirds of the planet. It is an expansive habitat for some of the world's smallest and largest animals, including invertebrates and cetaceans.
• Preserving ocean habitats is crucial to the wellbeing and future of cetacean life. Captive cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, have an average tank size 200,00 times smaller than their natural ocean home.
• The ocean is full of sentient beings; therefore, we should avoid inflicting physical or psychological suffering. Harmful practices range from wildlife entertainment, such as dolphin shows, to destructive fishing practices that pollute our oceans.
• Ghost fishing gear – nets, lines and traps that are abandoned, lost or discarded in our oceans - represents one of the biggest threats to sea life. Millions of animals including whales, seals, turtles and birds become entangled and suffer from debilitating wounds, infections, and starvation. These animals can suffer for months, or even years, before they die.

How can I celebrate World Oceans Day?

• Sign up for our newsletter and find out more about our work to help and protect the wild animals that call the ocean home.
• Share information with your networks on animal sentience; evidence that animals in the ocean are living, feeling beings that should be protected.
• Call out travel companies failing wildlife by selling harmful attractions like dolphin shows.
• Discover Whale Heritage Sites developed by the World Cetacean Alliance and run-in partnership with World Animal Protection since 2019, recognising outstanding destinations that provide and celebrate responsible and sustainable wild whale and dolphin watching.

Find out about more animal awareness days here