Approximately 70% of the planet is covered by the ocean. The ocean is our life force, and we wouldn’t exist without it. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our oceans – not just today, but every day!
- Approximately 70% of the planet is covered by the ocean. The ocean is our life force, and we wouldn’t exist without it. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our oceans – not just today, but every day!
- The 5 oceans on our planet are:
- Dangers to the Ocean
- The Great Barrier Reef on World Oceans Day
- Respect the reef
- How to explore the Great Barrier Reef responsibly
On the 8th June, World Oceans Day stood as a global celebration of the world’s oceans. Scientists, activists and marine communities unite all around the world to remind the world how to work towards preserving our oceans. In Australia, we’re lucky enough to be neighboured by one of the most interesting and diverse parts of the ocean: The Great Barrier Reef.
The 5 oceans on our planet are:
- Pacific Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Indian Ocean
- Arctic Ocean
- Southern Ocean
The Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean surround Australia.
Dangers to the Ocean
Human activity has endangered our oceans, which now face…
- Pollution: Oil spills, sewage and industrial waste
- Climate change: Warms oceans and causes rising sea levels
- Overfishing: Damages food chains and causes a loss of fish stock
- Coral bleaching: Caused by the stress of temperature change, and pollution
- Plastics: Single-use plastics break down into tiny microplastics, which are harmful to marine life
- Global warming: Melts ice in arctic regions, and heightens sea levels
Why are the oceans in danger?
The Great Barrier Reef on World Oceans Day
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex marine ecosystems on the planet. It’s huge, spanning over 2300 kilometres. This enormous stretch of ocean is home to thousands of species of coral and marine life.
There’s no other marine ecosystem like the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s important to explore it sustainably. It’s no secret that the Great Barrier Reef has faced threats from human activity, which has damaged the reef.
Respect the reef
To explore the reef with respect, look out for operators who operate with low-impact marine tourism.
What are low-impact and respectful marine tourism practices?
- Glass-bottom boats
- ‘Look, don’t touch’ practices
- Educating visitors about both the beauty and the ecology of the reef
There are ways we can explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef without causing it any harm.
How to explore the Great Barrier Reef responsibly
You can…
- Choose a sustainable tour operator
- Don’t touch any corals
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen
- Keep a safe distance away from any marine life while you’re diving
- Participate in reef cleanups
- Don’t drop any waste into the ocean
But where tourism might have been damaging to the reef, we can reverse the issue so that tourism can help tackle the issue rather than contribute to it!
World Oceans Day was on Sunday, 8th June. But World Oceans Day is just for one day – it’s for every day.
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