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As we become increasingly aware of the pollution in our oceans, many organisations and companies are getting involved in promoting sustainability for the long term. One organisation leading the fight is the group behind World Ocean Day: a platform for education, promotion and events, all geared towards cleaning our oceans.

What Is World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day is a global movement that supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, and fosters public interest in the management of the ocean and its resources by creating a network of highly protected areas.  Its Conservation Action Focus is calling on world leaders to protect 30% of our blue planet by 2030 – an ambition they’re calling 30×30.

Officially recognised by the United Nations since 2008, World Ocean Day is held on the 8th of June every year, with dedicated events continuing throughout the year.

This Year’s Upcoming World Ocean Day Events

World Ocean Day events include voluntary beach clean-ups, organised by local communities to remove harmful plastics, micro plastics and waste. Find a beach clean-up at the following times and destinations:

  • Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia on 26th July
  • Lossiemouth Beach in Moray, Scotland on 31st August and 1st September
  • Tamraght, Morocco, on 4th November

An Ocean Awareness Week is also taking place at the University of Miami, Coral Gables in Florida between 7th – 12th September 2020. This student-run event is spreading a message of ocean protection and conservation through engaging and educational activities, with all proceeds donated to Coral Reef Alliance, a non-profit organisation that contributes to coral reef restoration.

How Companies Are Getting Involved

Many different companies have been joining in with World Ocean Day in 2020 in a commitment to sustainability and the protection of our oceans. They include Bumble Bee Seafood Co, a global seafood company which has made it its mission to fight for the long-term sustainability of fisheries around the world.

Multinational consumer goods corporation P&G has aimed to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by half by 2030, by increasing recycled content and, where possible, using alternative materials, and is committed to achieving 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2030.

Several aquariums are also working with World Ocean Day to offer educational programmes, provide extra-special care for sea animals and contribute to conservation science to save vulnerable species from extinction.

Playing Its Part – The Yacht Industry

Even yachts are now being commissioned and built for sustainability, with traditional aspects of superyacht design being challenged and re-imagined to minimise impact on fragile marine ecosystems.

Hybrid superyachts are being constructed that offer higher efficiency but lower emissions, noise and vibration levels. They are also being installed with advanced Dynamic Positioning Systems, which means they can hold their position without using an anchor, therefore protecting the sensitive sea floors.

It’s refreshing to know that not only are campaigns like World Ocean Day gathering worldwide momentum, but that modern yacht design is also turning towards sustainability, enabling us to explore our precious oceans without damaging them.

Here’s to celebrating World Ocean Day for centuries to come!