World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day
A sunset in the White Sea
Observed by	All UN member states
Date	June 8
Next time	8 June 2017 (2017-06)
Frequency	annual

World Oceans Day is celebrated every June 8. It was celebrated unofficially since its original proposal in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in late 2008.The Ocean Project, working in partnership with the World Ocean Network, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and many other partners in its network of 2,000 organizations, has been promoting World Oceans Day since 2002. World Oceans Day events include a variety of activities and actions, such as special outdoor explorations, beach cleanups, educational and action programs, art contests, film festivals, and sustainable seafood events.

World Oceans Day is an annual observation to honor, help protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. The ocean provides us with many resources and services including oxygen, climate regulation, food sources, medicine, and more. World Oceans Day also provides a unique opportunity to take personal and community action to conserve the ocean and its resources.

The theme for World Oceans Day 2016 was "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet." Hundreds of events were held in over 90 countries. Millions of people were involved onsite and online for World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day trended second on Twitter. Instagram posts about World Oceans Day reached over 290 million people, and over 65 million people were reached on Twitter. Celebrities like Richard Branson, Ellie Goulding, Pharrell Williams, Adrian Grenier, Nelson Mandela and more shared photos and tweeted their support for our oceans. Notable organizations such as the United Nations, CNN, National Geographic, LIFE, the White House and more joined in spreading messages of ocean conservation.

In the coordination of World Oceans Day, The Ocean Project placed a strong focus on youth engagement in 2016. The Ocean Project recognizes the impact youth can have in ocean conservation, and provides youth with the resources and networks needed to have their voices heard. For World Oceans Day 2016, the World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council was established. There are 11 members on the council all coming from different countries around the world. The new advisory council will help expand the reach and impact of World Oceans Day, on June 8, and year-round. The Ocean Project plans to focus on youth engagement beyond 2016, and hopes to further involve youth in World Oceans Day in the years to come.