What’s Going On Here?
On Monday 8th June we celebrated World Oceans Day – established in 1922 to help protect our blue planet. This year, the global movement is calling on world leaders to protect 30% of oceans by 2030.
Let-Minnow Some More…
This initiative called 30×30 is designed to help safeguard at least 30% of our oceans through a network of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) that will preserve ecosystems and wilderness. HPMAs are gold standard zones that enable marine areas to recover and thrive following destructive behaviour such as angling, fishing, construction or dredging.
A review into HPMAs in the UK carried out by the former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon announced that the introduction of such areas would see a significant increase in marine biodiversity.
Why Should We Care?
The Earth’s oceans cover more than 70% of the planet’s surface, are home to 80% of all life and play a critical role in mitigating climate change. Currently, only 2.5% of the world’s ocean is fully protected and a fundamental change in the designation and implementation of fully protected areas worldwide is needed. By establishing a global network of HPMAs the full spectrum of marine life can flourish, building resilience needed to ensure a healthy ocean for the future.
“As we work to end the pandemic and build back better, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity – and responsibility – to correct our relationship with the natural world, including the world’s seas and oceans” UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Be Curious…Seas the day 😉
- Sign the petition to protect 30% of our planet’s oceans.
- Tag #WorldOceansDay and #ProtectOurHome on social media.
- Download the UNs Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development guide here.
- Follow and support marine conservation organisations such as Blue Marine Foundation, Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.
- Find out about 10 ways you can help protect the oceans.
- Find solutions on how to solve the ocean plastic pollution problem on SHiFT.
