World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 each year. It is a day to appreciate the amazing ocean that covers most of our planet. The ocean gives us food, oxygen, and fun. This special day reminds us to protect it for the future.

Why the Ocean Matters

The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface. It produces over half of the world's oxygen through tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton. The ocean is home to millions of species of animals, from tiny shrimp to giant whales. It also helps control the weather and climate. Without a healthy ocean, life on Earth would be very different.

How People Help

On World Oceans Day, people organize beach cleanups to pick up trash. Schools teach students about ocean life and conservation. Many groups work to reduce plastic pollution that harms sea animals. You can help by using less plastic and never littering. Even living far from the coast, the choices you make can affect the ocean.

Fun Facts

• The ocean is home to the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale.
• More than 80 percent of the ocean has never been explored by humans.
• The deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is about 36,000 feet deep.

Did You Know?

We have better maps of Mars than we do of the ocean floor. There is still so much to discover under the sea.