3 Weeks Until #WorldOceansDay

World Oceans Day is a global celebration held every June 8 with hundreds of events around the world recognizing the vital importance of all the Earth's oceans. Living in the Bay Area, you probably spend a good chunk of time playing in the Pacific Ocean. So, if you enjoy water oriented passions and creating a better future for the worlds oceans then learn more how to:

Make Better Seafood Choices

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for future generations.

Also choose pet food that uses sustainably raised seafood.

Avoid Plastic, Reuse & Recycle

Plastics contribute to habitat destruction and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. Carry a reusable water bottle, bring your own reusable shopping bag and recycle whenever possible. Choose reusable stainless steel straws, eco-friendly paper ones or ditch straws all together. Companies like U-Konserve have a wide variety of options to choose from. And when you go to a restaurant request 'no straws' when ordering.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Small steps go a long way to reduce our energy consumption and fight climate change. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, turn off electronics every evening, use energy efficient appliances, take the stairs, leave the car at home and avoid oversetting your thermostat.

Participate in Beach Cleanups

80% of marine debris come from land-based sources. That means our daily activities and waste wind up in the ocean. But you can make a difference while enjoying a day at the beach. Help steward our coastline and keep our beaches beautiful, clean and safe.

To celebrate World Oceans Day, Aquarium of the Bay will host a special beach cleanup at Aquatic Park with our longtime partners, SF Maritime National Historical Park, Bamboo Reef Diving and the Surfrider Foundation. Join our dedicated volunteers to picking up and counting marine debris like straws, wrappers, cigarette butts, and other plastic trash from harming our ecosystem.

Elect Eco-Conscious Public Officials

With so much disagreement about environmental policy in the ocean, many people are turning to their representatives on the issue. Cast your vote for those that promote good governance through environmental protection.

Avoid Microbeads

Don't use products that contain microbeads. These tiny pieces of plastic used in personal care products pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water. And ditch all aerosols.

Avoid Items That Exploit Marine Life

Avoid buying products that contribute to the harming of delicate coral reefs and marine populations such as coral jewelry, tortoise shell and shark products.

Properly Dispose Hazardous Materials

Paint, motor oil, batteries and other hazardous materials often end up washing into coastal areas because they aren’t disposed of properly. This pollutes the water and hurts the overall health of our oceans. Be sure to dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally safe way.

World Ocean Day showing of "BLUE" and Ask a Scientist

Our ocean has been the guardian of life on earth. Now it is our turn to be guardians for the ocean. Screening at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center in Tiburon on June 8, 2019.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

It’s true….the wrong sunscreens poses a hazard to coral reef conservation and cause irreparable damage. Refer to the EWG website for environmentally safe products.

Spread the word with what’s going on with the world’s oceans and easy steps to make a difference. This June 8th, join the global community through thousands of events and activities around the world. TOGETHER WE CAN protect and restore our ocean. Visit the website, WorldOceansDay.org, to plan, register and find events!