On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean, which connects us all. Get together with your family, friends, colleagues, community, and — together with millions of others around our blue planet – we will create a better future.
This year’s action focus centers on the global campaign to protect 30% of our blue planet by the year 2030 (30×30). A healthy ocean is a critical part of the solution to the climate crisis.
No matter where you are located or what business you’re in, by supporting 30×30, we can protect our planet’s life support systems– specifically the interconnected issues of ocean, climate, and biodiversity.
As a surfer, you know how important clean ocean waters and a beautiful and clean beach are for recreation, enjoyment and our own health. The coast is a place where we can enjoy the ocean frequently, but coastal ecosystems such as marshes and estuaries are often the most impacted by pollution and human development! What can you do to help keep the ocean beautiful? For extensive guidance on planning an event, activity, or celebration (virtual or in person) check out the 2021 Event Planning Toolkit. For quick inspiration, see the ideas below.
Sign the petition to support 30×30:
- Sign as an individual or for your surf shop/organization here
- Share the link with your community and on social media to get individual signatures as well!
Teach others:
Host a presentation led by surfers or by a surfing organization. Your presentation can center on the global 30×30 initiative and the importance of marine protected areas. Involve youth! Get young kids involved, too, with an education day, crafts, and games.
Lead a beach cleanup:
Organize volunteers from your community to have a fun day at the beach while collecting trash and recyclable plastic that is polluting your favorite surfing site.
- See Coastal and Inland Cleanup Guide
- Connect to a larger movement and have fellow participants sign the 30×30 petition!
Host a competition:
Engage youth and bring people out to enjoy the beach with a surfing competition! Have a table at your event with information on the importance of a healthy ocean, the 30×30 initiative and how individuals can help protect the ocean and all its inhabitants.
Learn who shares your waves:
From shorebirds to seals to crabs, millions of creatures live in a productive coastal ocean. Learn about what creatures live in your local coastal ecosystems and which are endangered or threatened species. Join the 30×30 campaign to protect these animals’ homes!
- Check out these graphics to share once you’ve taken action
Recognizing that every community has been facing the pandemic, we recommend following local health and safety guidelines when planning your event, activity, or celebration. Once you’ve finished planning don’t forget to join the hundreds of other organizations around the world and register it on the global event map! Share your celebration with the world and tag @WorldOceanDay so we can repost and amplify your message!
