What is World Ocean Day?
Sometimes called World Oceans Day, WOD is an annual global celebration of the ocean and highlights our need to protect it. It takes place every 8 June.
The initiative was first proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit - UN Conference by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada. The day is officially recognised by the United Nations and supports its Sustainable Development Goals.
Why do we need World Oceans Day?
Our ocean:
- Covers 70% of the planet, supporting all its life
- Feeds billions of people
- Hosts 80% of the world’s biodiversity
It’s crucial that we protect it from threats like
- Overfishing
- Pollution (including abandoned fishing gear)
- Bycatch
- The effects of climate change
We know the problems, we know the solutions and World Ocean Day is a day to take action and raise awareness.
What does the MSC do for World Ocean Day?
For us every day is World Ocean Day. Our certification program and blue MSC label help everyone
play their part and make sustainable choices that keep the ocean healthy.
Every fishery engaged with the MSC is assessed on its individual merits by an independent body. These assessment bodies evaluate fisheries against our Standard,
which is drawn up by scientists and fisheries experts from around the world. Our program is science-based and recognised by the UN as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the last three years, MSC certified fisheries have made over 400 environmental improvements, including:
- 166 improvements benefitting the protection of endangered, threatened and protected species and reduction of bycatch.
- 80 improvements benefitting ecosystems and habitats
Still, we like to give an extra push on 8 June, promoting awareness with campaigns and events. See our previous work below and look out for activity in your region.
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