World Oceans Day: June 8, 2019
Saturday, June 8 is World Oceans Day. On this day we celebrate the ocean, its importance in our lives, and how each of us can protect it. The first World Oceans Day was in 1992, and in 2008 the United Nations passed a resolution to officially recognize World Oceans Day.
According to the World Oceans Day website, the day is marked in a variety of ways, including special events at aquariums and zoos, aquatic and beach cleanups, outdoor explorations, educational and conservation action programs, contests, film festivals, and sustainable seafood events.
In Toronto, there will be a shoreline cleanup and beach yoga at Sunnyside Park on Saturday, June 8. There is also an art exhibition about oceans at the Toronto Zoo. This exhibition of sculptures called “Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea” takes place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June, 9. These sculptures will highlight the impact of plastic pollution in the freshwater and marine ecosystems.
As we think about the impact we have on our oceans, here are some titles to share with young readers about oceans and the environment.
The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen
The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea by Helene Becker
The Sea Book by Charlotte Milner
Young readers might also be interested in some of the books on our Our Fragile Planet Booklist. This is a list of recommended reading on the environment for adults, teens and children. Our Fragile Planet is a series of free, engaging programs about our environment and how to green your world. Programs take place across the city and cover a wide range of topics.
It's never too early for young people to learn how they can do their part for the oceans and our planet!
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