World Oceans Day june 8th, 2024
As some of you may know, and some may not, I am a HUGE ocean lover. This stems from my early years of growing up on an island and then moving onto a sailboat when I was 5 years old. Along with my three siblings, mother, and stepfather, we joined the boating world and left the landlubbers behind to experience life on the water. We traveled throughout the South Pacific, soaking up different cultures and lots of sunshine, and met other families along the way who were equally as adventurous!
At the time, I didn't appreciate it in the same way I do now. I enjoyed it, but like most things, you don't realize how much you appreciate something until you no longer have it.
This year, I discovered that I actually share a birthday with World Oceans Day. Along with my love for the ocean, I am also passionate about its preservation and educating others. So rather than celebrating my birthday in the traditional way, I am asking for donations to help Ocean Ambassadors Canada bring more educational activities to our youth. They organize everything from stand-up paddleboarding lessons to in-class education, beach cleanups, and much more!
I want to share some interesting stats about our incredible Ocean 🌊
Biodiversity
Marine Species: Scientists estimate that there are around 230,000 known marine species, but the actual number could be much higher, potentially in the millions, as many species remain undiscovered.
Terrestrial Species: In comparison, there are about 8.7 million known species on land. This highlights the vast but still largely unexplored diversity of life in our oceans.
Sea Level Changes
Historical Changes: Over the last century, global sea levels have risen by about 8-9 inches (21-24 cm).
Recent Trends: Since 1993, the rate of sea level rise has accelerated to approximately 3.2 millimeters per year due to melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of seawater.
Ocean Usage
Tourism: Annually, about 200 million people visit coastal areas and beaches. The ocean is a significant draw for tourism, contributing trillions of dollars to the global economy.
Beach Visits: In the United States alone, it's estimated that around 100 million people visit the beach each summer.
Marine Pollution
Plastic Pollution: Approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. This contributes to the vast and growing issue of marine debris.
Cleanup Efforts: Organizations like the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup remove millions of pounds of trash from beaches and waterways annually. For example, in 2020, volunteers collected nearly 5 million pounds of trash during the cleanup.
These statistics illustrate the immense biodiversity of our oceans, the impact of human activity on sea levels, the popularity of ocean tourism, and the significant problem of marine pollution.
Thank you for considering donating to Ocean Ambassadors through my link below or directly to their website!
