Monday, June 8 is World Oceans Day. What is that you ask? The Academy of Sciences is on it:
“Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and are critically important to the health of our global ecosystem, yet they are some of the least explored and most threatened places on our planet. In light of this, the United Nations has issued an official resolution designating June 8, 2009 as the first annual World Oceans Day.”
So rather than Earth Day, it’s a special day for the crystal blue liquid that flows all over it. You know, the stuff you love to run barefoot through on the edge of Ocean Beach, the stuff that our dogs love to jump into for bouts of wave dodging, or the stuff you like to gaze at while the sun goes down.
To honor this first-ever World Oceans Day, the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park has a whole week’s worth of events, exhibits and fun planne including sustainable seafood cooking demonstrations, a beach clean-up, costumed stilt-walkers, animal shows, lectures, and more. You can read the full event schedule here.
Here are a few of the main events:
World Oceans Day Festival | Saturday, June 6 | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Inside the Academy, a host of special activities are planned – from stilt-walkers dressed as giant jellyfish to research demonstrations presented by Academy scientists.
Beach Clean-Up | Sunday, June 7 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join volunteers from the Academy, OceanHealth.Org, and Surfrider at Ocean Beach for the annual World Oceans Day beach cleanup.
World Oceans Day Webcam | Monday, June 8
The Academy’s website will be hosting a 1-day only webcam that’s stationed on the Farallones Islands. Catch a detailed look at the islands and follow the action of sea lions, seals, and the largest seabird colony in the continental United States. Reality TV for wildlife lovers!
But wait, there’s MORE!!!
If you’re visiting the Academy on June 8 (the actual World Oceans Day), don’t forget to ask for a blue marble. Started by Academy research associate Wallace J. Nichols, the blue marble movement aims to raise awareness of ocean issues and recognize the efforts of everyday people.
And lastly, who wouldn’t want to take a ride on a submarine!?! Will Paul, Ringo, John and George be along for the ride? Ok, no, but it’s still really cool…
You can enter to win a Submarine Trip in Monterey Bay on the Deep Flight Super Falcon, the most advanced winged submarine ever constructed. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive under the sea and to explore majestic kelp forests, home to sea otters, sharks, and hundreds of species of fish. Simply purchase a general admission ticket online between June 1 and June 15, or mail in your entry.
How do you plan to celebrate World Oceans Day?
Sarah B.
