World Oceans Day

Today is World Oceans Day. Many people may not know this but World Oceans Day is a Canadian concept first proposed by Canada on June 8, 1992, at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro.

June 8 was later officially declared by the United Nations and it has been marked worldwide since 2009. The oceans of the world cover more than 70% of our planet and World Oceans Day is a day to reflect upon their importance to us all.

The marine animals, shell fish, as well as the fish and sea plants such as kelp and seaweed that are abundant in ourt arctic oceans and their shorelines have, and remain, an important food source, they have facilitated trade and commerce for thousands of years, and their waters help regulate the world’s climate.

Unfortunately our oceans are suffering from many problems with over fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, all threaten the health and well being of these very important bodies of water.

The damage, both environmental and economic, caused by the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska and the current British Petroleum spill in the Gulf of Mexico are examples of the devastation that can be caused by an accident or careless behavour..

This is why we must exercise extreme caution and be ever vigilant regarding offshore oil and gas exploration, drilling, and transport. The oceans of the world are simply too important to our health, wellbeing, and survival to do any less. A human cannot survive without clean safe water to drink.

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