World Oceans Day means a lot to us here at Fundy Baykeeper.
While the ocean, and its health, impacts those who live and work on the coast, it also matters a great deal to all of us, regardless of where we live.
For as long as humans have existed, the oceans, especially the millions of small plants that float in their waters, have produced a significant portion of the oxygen we breathe.They’re also critical to humans for food, transportation, and recreation for as long as humans have existed.
And although the ocean and the many varied and fascinating plants and animals that call it home are dynamic and have weathered many changes over time. Now, though, we are putting the oceans under unprecedented stress.
Communities, though, are fighting for the places they love. You can see it in the growing grassroots movements working to clean-up plastic pollution; in the collborative work local conservation groups and fisheries doing to find and remove lost or abandoned fishing gear (sometimes called ghost gear); and right here in New Brunswick in the successful and expanding efforts to restore fish runs on the Skutik (St. Croix River).
This Oceans Day we invite you to recommit yourself to helping however you can: participate in community cleanups, learn about the ocean, and importantly enjoy the nature around you.
Protecting our oceans is a challenging task, but the rewards are worth it.
Together with the help of our supporters, we can can stand up for stronger marine protections and push back against water-polluting corporations and their relentless pursuit of large industrial projects that only exacerbate climate change.