It seems like there’s a day for everyone and everything these days—June 6 was National Applesauce Cake Day here in the US—but June 8 is always a much sweeter celebration for us at TSC: World Oceans Day.
World Oceans Day dates back to 2008 when the United Nations’ General Assembly decreed June 8 to be a date to “remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life.” Still, it seems somewhat negligent that it took us so long to recognize the oceans with their special day; after all, oceans cover three-quarters of the planet, contain 97 percent of the Earth’s water, and are home to 200,000 known species (there are likely millions.) Suffice to say, they demand our attention.
What’s more, we rely on them; billions depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, and estimates suggest that the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is approximately $3 trillion per annum. With numbers like that, they deserve our attention.
And despite the fact that as much as 40% of the world oceans are heavily affected by human activities—including pollution, the depletion of fisheries, and loss of coastal habitats—they still, unbegrudgingly, absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, acting as an essential buffer when it comes to global warming. Let’s be clear: we owe them our attention.
World Oceans Day is an opportunity to recognize them—even thank them—for being a critical part of our biosphere. Arguably, we have reached a tipping point in modern society. Ocean sustainability—typified by the ever-public battle against plastics—is a matter of shared responsibility. It’s time to give them our fullest attention, if only for one day.
The oceans inspire and inform our industry-leading publications, Ocean News & Technology (ON&T) and ECO Magazine (ECO). The oceans not only give us purpose, but they also motivate us to serve the maritime industries and diligently report on all the latest ocean news, technology and science, each and every day.
So, thank you. Happy Oceans Day.
