June 4, 2008
Hooray for World Ocean Day
BY: Jon Frank
World Ocean Day is Sunday, and if you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s like Earth Day, but for the 71 percent of the planet covered by salt water. It’s a time for everyone – not just WaveMakers and ocean advocates – to celebrate the oceans’ many unique gifts and to discuss the various threats that are risking their health. Technically, World Ocean Day has only occurred once, on June 8, 1992, when it was created at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, we believe June 8 should be recognized as W.O.D. every year and we’re petitioning the U.N. to declare it as such.
This is a matter of principle: The oceans are essential to the planet, and at the very least they deserve one day of global recognition. With or without U.N. acknowledgment, we’ll continue to celebrate World Ocean Day.
Here’s a few ways you can celebrate, too.
- Sign the petition asking the U.N. to recognize World Ocean Day every year.
- Buy a pair of Sperry Top-Siders. For every pair of Sperry shoes purchased on Sunday through their website, Sperry will donate $5 to Oceana. Father’s Day is right around the corner and the Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe makes a stellar gift.
- Find the Oceana fan page on Facebook and share your photos, stories, links and videos about the oceans or ocean activities.
- Enjoy your favorite ocean activity. Whether it’s surfing, sailing or sipping daiquiris, you’re all good as long as you’ve got the ocean on your mind.