Saturday, June 8, is World Oceans Day.  This global event honors our blue planet and celebrates all that it means to us. The idea of a worldwide ocean day began in 1992, and in 2008, the United Nations General Assembly established June 8 as World Oceans Day. Many organizations support this event, including The Ocean Project and The World Ocean Network.

All along Monterey Bay there will be parties, activities and films this weekend. Here are the ones that I’m aware of (if there are others, let me know).

Save Our Shores Kick-off Party at Jack’s Patio, The Portola Hotel, Monterey, June 7

Beneath the Waves Film Festival at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Santa Cruz, June 8

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Santa Cruz, June 8

Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey,  June 8 and June 9

If you don’t live here, you can learn about what’s happening in your area by visiting the World Oceans Day Events List. The website also has information on others ways to celebrate and protect our oceans. Or, visit Twitter #worldoceansday.

If you can’t get to an event or spend some time with the ocean, here’s a lovely animated film with a sober message, Ideas for Change, Our Ocean, narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle and produced by the World Economic Forum with the film company Lonelyleap. It’s perfect viewing for World Oceans Day.

Celebrate for conservation’s sake!