Happy World Oceans Day 2021! World Oceans Day reminds everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet and a major source of food and medicine, and a critical part of the biosphere.
The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.
We encourage you to celebrate this day by participating in the public consultation on the report: 'Expanding Ireland's Marine Protected Areas Network' and asking the government for bigger and better Marine Protected Areas. If you would like to use the draft submission designed by Irish Wildlife Trust draft submission, click here.
You can also mark the day by supporting the recent Wildlife Amendment to Section 23 of the Wildlife Act to include the Basking Shark. Basking sharks are endangered in the Northeast Atlantic, and global population estimates indicate that the west and northern Irish seaboard are part of the single most internationally important coastal region for this species. Basking sharks occupy inshore and offshore areas year-round in Irish territorial waters. Ireland and our coastal communities have historically benefited from the basking shark. Today, we have a duty to provide protection for this highly mobile species when they occupy Irish territorial waters. Recent research indicated that the Irish public supports the protection of basking sharks in Irish waters (Gray, 2019). Adding the species to Schedule Five of the Wildlife Act (1976), as amended, is the simplest method to protect the species in Irish territorial waters.
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen. It is home to most of the earth’s biodiversity.
With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance rooted in a true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.
You can read more about United Nations - World Oceans Day and discover relevant initiatives here.
