World Oceans Day 2018

Published: June 7, 2018

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Celebrated globally June 8th each year to honor, help protect, and conserve our world's oceans

In December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution which officially recognized World Oceans Day as June 8th each year. However, World Oceans Day has been globally coordinated and promoted since 2002. World Oceans Day serves as a reminder of the major role our oceans have on our lives and is celebrated to unite the world in the sustainable management of the health of our oceans. This year's theme is focused on plastic pollution prevention and encouraging solutions for a healthier ocean.


Ocean Facts:

  • The ocean covers 70% of our world, stretching from coast to coast.
  • The average depth of the ocean is about 12,100 feet. The deepest part of the ocean is called the Challenger Deep which is approximately 36,200 feet deep.
  • It is estimated that 91% of ocean species have yet to be classified, and that 95% of the ocean remains unexplored.
  • Oceans affect weather patterns, produce oxygen, support nutrient recycling and maritime heritage, and provides food and medicine resources.
  • 80% of all pollution to marine environments comes from the land.
  • Marine-based drugs have been discovered that treat some types of cancer, antibiotic resistant staph infections, pain, asthma, and inflammation. For example, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers found that a fish-killing toxin has the potential to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

    Source: NOAA


Our Ocean, Source: NOAA
Our world ocean provides many benefits infographic. Source: NOAA

Ocean Protection Legislation

86 Stat. 1052 - Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act - October 23, 1972
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102 Stat. 4139 - Ocean Dumping Reform Act of 1988 - November 18, 1988
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33 U.S.C. 27 - Ocean Dumping
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108 Stat. 4396 - Ocean Pollution Reduction Act - October 31, 1994
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33 U.S.C. 26 - Water Pollution Prevention and Control
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120 Stat. 3333 - Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act - December 22, 2006
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Other Publications

16 U.S.C. 31 - Marine Mammal Protection
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120 Stat. 3575 - Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 - January 12, 2007
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40 CFR Chapter I Subchapter H - Ocean Dumping
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50 CFR 224 - Endangered Marine and Anadromous Species
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102 Stat. 2779 - Plastic Pollution Control Act of 1987 - October, 28, 1988
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Additional Resources