| Since June 8, 1992, people from all over this | | | | Earlier today, the United Nations |
| beautiful earth have celebrated one of the most | | | | Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, released a |
| important and powerful natural resources known | | | | message for World Ocean Day. His first |
| to humankind-the oceans. Why oceans? | | | | paragraph says it all: "The first observance of |
| Approximately fifty-percent of the world's | | | | World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many |
| oxygen is produced by phytoplankton in the | | | | ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is |
| water; ocean water temperatures and currents | | | | also an opportunity to recognize the considerable |
| impact the climate; and great food sources still | | | | challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to |
| exist within our oceans. | | | | regulate the global climate, supply essential |
| Additionally, ocean waters allow large ships to | | | | ecosystem services and provide sustainable |
| move between continents, transporting product | | | | livelihoods and safe recreation." |
| and people and aiding in the world economy; | | | | As a shipwreck survivor, I have a special interest |
| recreational boating and swimming occur on or | | | | in keeping our seas safe for travel, but my |
| near beaches around the globe; and some of the | | | | maritime interests extend beyond just the safety |
| most famous and brilliant photography has been | | | | of ships at sea; I have a heart for ocean ecology, |
| of the glorious creatures gracing the depth of our | | | | for the positive contributions of the sea to our |
| oceans. | | | | way of life, for global warming issues, and more. |
| I say "our oceans," because the world's oceans | | | | The motto for this year's celebration is "Our |
| belong to all of us- every man, woman, child and | | | | Oceans, Our Responsibility." Think about what this |
| creature on the face of this earth. | | | | means and how you can step up to the |
| In recent news, piracy concerns have had global | | | | responsibility. |
| implications and more countries are taking a | | | | Then, consider taking the "Seven C's Pledge" for |
| responsibility to help end the attacks. THIS IS | | | | ocean conservation as outlined and suggested by |
| OUR OCEAN. | | | | The Ocean Project: 1) Commit to making a real |
| Beachside communities around the globe organize | | | | difference, 2) Conserve in your home, 3) |
| beach clean-up days to pick up the litter and | | | | Consume consciously, 4) Communicate your |
| debris washed in by the waves. THIS IS OUR | | | | interests and concerns, 5) Challenge yourself daily, |
| OCEAN. | | | | 6) Connect in your community, and 7) Celebrate |
| Ecological programs and regulations expand as the | | | | our ocean. (Visit for more on the Seven C's |
| awareness grows of the global influence the | | | | pledge and other celebration ideas.) |
| oceans have on the ecology of our planet. THIS | | | | THIS IS OUR OCEAN. Every one of us can do |
| IS OUR OCEAN. | | | | something to respect and honor the oceans of |
| The United Nations finally declares June 8th World | | | | the world. Won't you join me and start today? |
| Ocean Day. THIS IS OUR OCEAN. | | | | Let me know what actions you decide to take! |