Nature Canada

World Oceans Day

Designating the 8th of June as World Oceans Day was proposed by Canada back in 1992 during the Earth Summit (also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)) in Rio de Janeiro. Ever since, it has been celebrated unofficially until its designation in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly.

The designation is largely due to the fact that oceans contribute immensely to our well-being. They provide us with food, recreational opportunities such as diving, and most of the oxygen we breathe! They also play an important role in regulating the climate and their evaporation is the main source of rainfall.

However, we haven’t been able to show our appreciation as we continue to unsustainably harvest fish, kill marine mammals and birds and cause significant damage to these pristine ecosystems by pursuing resources such as oil & gas.

We’ve all heard about the impacts the oil spill has had on the Gulf of Mexico, and can only imagine the devastation it would bring should it ever happen in Canada. The only way to avoid such an event from happening in Canada is to pressure the Federal Government to live up to its commitments and establish more marine protected areas, develop management plans and apply strong conservation measures where they are needed!

Make your voice heard and send a letter to the government.

Happy Oceans Day!


Photo: Allan Woodhouse

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