WDCS leads by example today and every day!
Ways to help protect our oceans each day...
* Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Refuse plastic bags
* Pick up litter every day or plan a group clean up in your area
* Learn more about you can help reduce the threats that whales face on a daily basis and share the info with a friend
* Join our team as a volunteer, donor, or representative!
World Oceans Day 2012
Since 1992 World Oceans Day has been an opportunity for all to reflect on the importance of our oceans, appreciate the role they play in the lives of every individual organism on Earth, and empower our communities to learn more and do more to preserve our oceans. Serving as the lungs for our planet, our shared oceans are the lifeblood of existence as well as a threatened resource. Most are unaware that the oceans are the source of most of the oxygen we breathe, as well as a major source of food, medicine, trade, and a critical part of the biosphere. June 8th is a day to share insight on how everyone can be ocean friendly every day as well as help to raise consciousness of how our lives depend on the oceans and teach others what can be done to protect them.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) is delighted that Erich Hoyt, WDCS Senior Research Fellow, has been included in Mission Blue’s Message in a Bottle effort for World Oceans Day. The art installation is made up of 100 painted bottles that bring to life personal statements or “blue memos” about the world’s ocean from some of the biggest names in marine biology, conservation, photography, exploration, journalism and beyond. Using recycled plastic bottles, scrap paper, and paint the artist has found a way to offer a visual voice to help communicate complex ocean issues, solution strategies and urgent blue memos. Erich’s comments reference our ‘Homes for Whales’ campaign that focuses on creating Marine Protected Areas in critical habitats around the globe.
The objectives of this international movement held on June 8th are to: Inform the general public of the dangers facing the ocean and of the impact of human activities; Create a world-wide citizens movement; Raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in all our daily lives; Mobilize people around sustainable ocean stewardship projects; Encourage everyone to take action to preserve the ocean and its riches; and Celebrate World Oceans Day and participate in efforts to protect our oceans and our future. WDCS is proud to note that we achieve these objectives as well as others on a daily basis. From orchestrating efforts to end whaling to collecting vital data to running recycling programs aboard commercial whale watching vessels, we work to ensure that we do all that we can to eradicate the threats whales and dolphins face every day. Please visit www.whales.org to learn how you can play an active role in protecting our oceans or to adopt a whale on World Oceans Day.
“People love whales for their majestic beauty and they are amazed to learn what a vital role they play in our existence” commented Regina Asmutis-Silvia – Executive Director WDCS (NA) “Not only are they amazingly intelligent and connected to their peers and ocean habitats– they are connected to each and every one of us. Their role in generating life for all is impressive.”
Marine biologists and conservationists hope that individuals understand that most of the oxygen we breathe is produced by phytoplankton, a tiny plant-like organism found in the ocean. Like its cousins on land, phytoplankton needs nutrients. However, living near the ocean surface for sunlight, phytoplankton cannot absorb nutrients from the “soil” or ocean floor. Instead, phytoplankton must rely on nutrients in the water column. One of the most nutrient-rich contributors to the health of phytoplankton is whale excrement. It is poignant to note that whales, who rely on us for protection and advocacy, play a major role in the health of our planet. In addition to fertilizing oxygen producing organisms whale activities and natural functions substantially reduce the amount of CO2 in the environment.