BLOGGING THE VIEW: Building up to World Ocean’s Day: Useful Facts and Tips!

On 8 June every year, we celebrate World Ocean’s Day – the covering of effectively 70% of our planet.

But this is not just a day to enjoy a splash in the Indian Ocean but an opportunity to learn more about the importance of ocean conservation, and how you can play your part!

Here’s a look at how you can celebrate World Oceans Day, themed Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.

Why you should take note this World Oceans Day

1. There are five global oceans but they’re nicknamed the ‘Seven Seas’ because the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans can be divided by north and south.

2. The largest ocean on Earth is the Pacific Ocean which covers more than 30% of the surface. The smallest is the Arctic Ocean which covers 3%.

3. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the longest mountain range on Earth is underwater – it’s around 65 000km long and extends to the deepest parts of the ocean.

4. According to National Geographic, there are more artefacts on ocean floors than in all the museums combined.

5. Climate change and plastic pollution are interconnected – according to the Guardian, by 2050 plastic will be responsible for 13% of the carbon budget which is the equivalent of 615 coal-fired power plants running at full capacity.

6. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, and contains 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere, making it an enormous storehouse.

7. It’s estimated that the ocean has absorbed 30% of all carbon emissions from human activities in the past 200 years.

8. The ocean is home to most of Earth’s biodiversity, including some of the smallest animals on Earth – the microscopic zooplankton – as well as the largest animal ever to live on Earth, the blue whale, which is as long as two buses.

9. The ocean is also home to some of the world’s oldest living organisms like jellyfish and horseshoe crabs.

10. The ocean is the main source of protein for more than a billion people and is key to the global economy with around 40 million people estimated to be employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

11. As it stands, 90% of big fish populations are depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed because more is being taken from the ocean than can be replenished.

12. Though the oceans cover more than 70% of Earth, only 20% is visible to us. This means that 80% of the ocean is unmapped and unexplored.

13. The world’s largest living structure is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.

It’s so big it can be seen from outer space and is composed of billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps.

It is home to a unique range of ecological communities, habitats and species making it the most complex natural ecosystem in the world.

Tips to celebrate World Oceans Day

Join the positive tide of change by being a part of the solution this World Oceans Day.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference to the health of the ocean – and our planet’s survival.

· Eat sustainably sourced seafood by checking labels and asking where the seafood is sourced.
· Reduce your single-use plastic consumption, practice recycling, and use eco-friendly products.
· Lower your carbon footprint by turning off appliances not in use and supporting renewable energy where possible.
· Participate in local beach clean-ups or simply take a black bag to the beach on your next visit and do a quick clean-up.
· Support responsible local tourism and ecotourism initiatives in your area.
· Support local marine protection foundations and organisations that are making a positive change.

Sources:
www.un.org
www.plasticsforchange.org
www.news18.com
www.cuddlynest.com
www.noaa.gov

HAVE YOUR SAY