June 8th is World Oceans Day. The concept was proposed by the Canadian government at the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro in 1992. It has been unofficially celebrated every year since, and has been officially recognized by the UN since December 2008. It's a day to celebrate our oceans and promote ocean conservation.
The world's oceans are important to all of us. They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, provide us with food and provide us with medicines, as well as potential new medicines. Plus, they're damn pretty to look at. They're also home to some of the most bizarre creatures on earth, such as the immortal jelly fish, the Axolotl, and the Leafy Sea Dragon. Not to mention huge animals like the Blue Whale and the Giant Squid. Oh, you like your animals more cute and cuddly? Fine, check out this photo of a baby seal. (aww!)
The ocean is particularly important to those of us surrounded (or at mostly surrounded...) by one. I may not live right on the ocean, but I could leave my house and be there in 20 minutes. We are "Canada's Ocean Playground" (according to our license plates). There is no place in Nova Scotia that is more then 67KM from the ocean. It regulates our climate. It provides a source of income for many Nova Scotians. Soon, it may even provide some of our power!
In short, the oceans are pretty incredible.
So, whether you can see the ocean from your doorstep or the closest you've been to the ocean is watching Finding Nemo, have a Happy World Oceans Day!
Want more World Ocean goodness? Check out these awesome photos on the Flickr Blog and theoceanproject.org for more information on World Oceans Day and ocean conservation.
Books about ocean conservation that I think look terribly interesting:
Books about ocean conservation that I think look terribly interesting:
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