A Valuable Guide To Celebrating World Ocean Day Every Day

Ireland, , 56 Comments

Last Updated on the 7th of December, 2025

Did you know that World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on June 8th?

On this day, people around the world come together to celebrate and pay tribute to the ocean, so why don’t you join in, too?

The oceans are home to millions of creatures and play an important role in Earth’s ecosystem. Yet, they face potentially irreversible damage due to pollution wrought by humans.

Underwater biospheres that took millennia to form have been destroyed in a matter of months, while once-abundant species have now become endangered.

As a reminder of how integral our seas are to all life on Earth, World Ocean Day has a different theme each year, and for 2023, it’s “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing“. 

Celebrating Ocean Day, which is a worldwide international event created by the United Nations, is a great opportunity to grow awareness and understanding about the largest part of our planet.

So, if you love the ocean as much as we do and are looking for ways to celebrate and participate, here are just a few things you could do on the day and beyond!

One of many staggering sea arches in County Donegal, Ireland.

Use fewer plastic products

Plastics are one of the biggest threats to ocean health and one of the easiest things to change from a lifestyle perspective.

Each year, trillions of pieces of plastic enter the world’s river systems and waterways and end up in the oceans. They slowly gather into gyres, some of which are bigger than the state of Texas.

Plastics in the oceans aren’t just a hazard to their inhabitants that eat them or get tangled up in them. They break down into microplastics, which then enter the food chain, and we humans end up eating!

With a little bit of effort, reducing our personal plastic usage isn’t that difficult – start with one plastic-free swap and go from there. Every little bit counts!

Whenever possible, try to opt for plastic-free alternatives such as items made with stainless steel, bamboo, or glass when possible.

  • Swap plastic bags & clingfilm for silicone bags or beeswax wraps
  • Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go
  • Swap single-use plastic straws for a reusable variety
  • Use a reusable tote bag
  • Swap your cotton buds

Read More: A Local’s Guide To Some Of The Best And Most Beautiful Beaches In Sligo, Ireland

Going plastic-free means living with the intention 

Volunteer for a local beach cleanup

One of the most common ways to celebrate World Oceans Day for coastal communities is to head out for a beach cleanup.  Once you get involved, you’ll feel a strong sense of accomplishment, especially when you see how much you’ve collected and thus prevented from entering the ocean.

Even if you are not near a coast, trash from rivers and storm drains can make it to the sea unless you stop it.

If you live in Ireland, you can contact Clean Coasts and request a beach cleanup kit.

Tips for a beach cleanup:

  • Pack the right gear – water in a reusable bottle to stay hydrated, gloves to protect your hands, sun protection like a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, a first aid kit and your beach cleanup kit.

  • Have a plan on how to dispose of collected litter accordingly. As a backup, get in touch with your local council in case you come across something outside of your skill set.

  • Pick a location – choose a section of the beach that’s easily accessible to you. Avoid going to remote or tricky-to-access areas

  • Get to know the tides – especially spring tides as they have a greater depth range between high and low water, so at high tide, the water comes in further up the beach.

Read More: 5+ Benefits of Cleaning Up Your Local Beach & How To Get Started

Beach cleanups improve the coastal and ocean ecosystem.

Watch an Ocean Film

If you want to learn more about the oceans, then there’s no better way than diving into an ocean documentary from the comfort of your own home. Here’s a list of some of the most beautiful and moving films and documentaries that are guaranteed to make you feel like you’re out at sea. 

They are bound to change how you look at our water bodies. All of them are a must-watch for anyone concerned about Earth’s oceans and the marine life that thrives in them. 

Furthermore, watching these documentaries will help you learn about the ocean and hopefully inspire you to take action to protect it.

  •  The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans, narrated by Sir David Attenborough and produced by the BBC

  • Turtle: The Incredible Journey, narrated by Miranda Richardson and directed by Nick Stringer, is a documentary about a loggerhead turtle that travels 9,000 miles to the Florida beach where it hatched.

  • Mission Blue follows oceanographer Sylvia Earle’s campaign to save the world’s oceans from threats such as overfishing and toxic waste. 

  • James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge, directed by James Cameron, is a film about James Cameron’s odyssey as he undertakes an expedition to the deepest part of the ocean.

  • Chasing Coral, Directed by Jeff Orlowski, is an emotional documentary that aims to raise awareness about a true catastrophe silently raging underwater – coral bleaching. 

  • Sushi: The Global Catch, directed by Mark S. Hall, is a documentary shot in five countries exploring this popular cuisine’s history, problems and future.

  • A Plastic Ocean, directed by Craig Leeson, the movie highlights exactly how and why plastic is killing our beloved happy place. 

  • Watson – a documentary that follows Paul Watson, co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd.

  • Seaspiracy – a film that is sure to make you think twice about eating seafood.

Dive into an Ocean-themed Reading Adventure

What can be better than diving into books that explore the underwater world, its wildlife, the challenges it’s facing and how you can help to protect it.

  • Marine Biology for the Non-Biologist By Andrew Caine – This book describes the major groups of animals present in the sea and is perfect for anyone who wants to know more about life under the waves, amateur naturalists, conservationists, divers and snorkelers

  • The Edge of the Sea by Rachel Carson is a book that tells about different creatures and reefs along the ocean and how these differ from place to place

  • Strange Sea Creatures by Erich Hoyt is a book showcasing the mesmerising range of life far beneath the waves.

  • Ebb & Flow and Saltwater in the Blood by Irish surfer, scientist and author Easkey Britton are two wonderful books about the sea’s healing power and how we should seek a connection to it.
Some of my favourite books about the ocean.

 Support Marine Protection Foundations And Organisations

Whether you want to help reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, ban harmful fishing practices, or ensure the world’s most endangered marine species are protected, there is a charity for you.

Philanthropies and organisations, including the Ocean Conservancy and the Ocean Foundation, are dedicated to preserving and protecting our blue waters.

Check out Surfers Against Sewage, which is one of the UK’s most successful marine conservation and campaigning charities that are fighting to see the ocean thrive.

If you don’t feel like supporting charities, there are still many other ways you could get involved. Recently, I stumbled upon Markus and Micah, who are encouraging people to adopt a pawikan nest to save the baby turtles and empower the community.

Long story short, in 2020, a small community in the Bataan province in the Philippines built a hatchery to protect the nests of the endangered pawikan (sea turtles) that came to lay eggs on the beach. 

To support the conservation efforts, you can donate a small amount of money to “adopt” a nest and help the community protect those eggs until they reach maturity! Please, check out what they do and support them!

Did you know that seabirds are also termed “pelagic” or marine birds?

Other Ways You Can Make A Difference

Pay attention to where your seafood comes from  | Due to overfishing and our own consumption habits, fish populations are declining.

Always purchase fish from sustainable companies and fisheries, and avoid using fertiliser or pesticides that can cause dangerous runoff to enter the waterways near your home.

Encourage children to protect the oceans  | Inspire kids to learn about the marine life that inhabits the ocean and the challenges they face. This will help foster a sense of empathy and encourage them to take action to protect marine creatures.

Use Eco-Friendly Products | It is vital to know where all of the products that you are using for dishes, laundry and cleaning end up once they go down the drain.

Although water treatment plants can minimise the effect of these chemicals, it is always a good idea to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Choose reef-safe sunscreen so you won’t be harming coral reefs whilst you dive. Non-chemical sunscreen with a non-nano zinc oxide base is often the best reef-safe option.

It’s time we come together to protect our blue spaces.

We hope that you take inspiration from these tips! Try to implement some of these actions into your daily routine

Here’s to World Oceans Day (every day)!

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Now, over to you!

How will you be celebrating Oceans Day this year?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

56 thoughts on “A Valuable Guide To Celebrating World Ocean Day Every Day”

    1. You are right – oceans are very important. They play a significant factor in the water cycle that affects climate and weather. It controls rainfall and droughts. The sea is the source of almost all rain that falls on land. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Marion. Human beings owe their life to the sea. Today, we still turn to water for a sense of calm and clarity. We spend our vacations on the beach, we get exercise and enjoyment from water sports like surfing, scuba diving, sailing, and swimming; refresh ourselves with long showers and soothing baths, and often build our lives and homes around being near the water. So, it’s time we came together to protect the oceans 🙂 Cheers, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Francisco. Humans have been squeezing life out of the sea. But we have a very narrow window of opportunity where we can actually still be effective. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. Absolutely Aiva we must do everything possible to raise consciousness about the sea, about treasuring its value to us and to stop others from polluting mercilessly her waters. Thank you and have a wonderful day!

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  4. Great advice, Aiva, thank you! I try to do some of these things but there’s always room for improvement. This post helps me see some additional steps I can take.

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    1. Thanks, Diana. The ocean is one of the most important aspects of our planet. It provides us with food, jobs, oxygen, medicine and so much more. Unfortunately, the ocean is in trouble. We need to do our part to help protect it. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  5. A worthy cause Aiva. We try to get to the ocean when we can. Right now, we are in Vancouver and spending all the time we can by the ocean (a 22.5 km bike ride along the Seaside Trail yesterday. I am also reading an environmental fiction novel right now about what happens if we do not start paying more attention to our oceans and our world. Have a great Monday. Allan

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    1. Hi, Allan, I hope you are enjoying your time in Vancouver and a bike ride along the scenic Seaside Trail. As always, I very much look forward to reading all about your West Coast adventures. I love reading books about sea life and the shore – over the years, I’ve found myself drawn to books that challenge the way I think about our blue planet and stories that indicate just how much more there is yet to uncover and understand about the natural world. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. What a great guide – thanks for posting! Love that you included ways for those of us that live far from the ocean to get involved. We’re always looking for ways to cut down on single use plastics and lately we’ve been extra careful about where we get our seafood.

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    1. Thanks so much, Casey! It’s easy to feel paralysed in the face of such a huge problem. But there are so many things we can all do to make a difference, and we can get started right away. Thanks for stopping by and have a good ay 🙂 Aiva xx

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  7. Fabulous ideas here Aiva, it’s good to get reminders every so often about how we can all help to make this a better planet.
    I’m currently reading about a well known Australian woman, Valerie Taylor who is a champion for the worlds oceans. The book is called ‘An Adventurous Life’, and she and her late husband were responsible for many underwater documentaries in the 60s, 70s and beyond. They took a lot of the footage for the Jaws movie.
    She is still a very active spokesperson for conservation of sea creatures, and she is in her late 80s.
    Have a great day. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Glenys 🙂 What most of us don’t realize though is that we often contribute to the destructive factors with ordinary things we do every day. Luckily, making even a few simple lifestyle changes can bring significant environmental gains. The trash we throw away doesn’t just disappear, so it is about time we do something about it.

      I have to check out the book you are reading as reading stories of trailblazing ocean conservationists is right up my alley. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  8. What a great and meaningful post. Not trying for a shameless plug here, but this is why I invested in Solgaard luggage (and formed a collaboration with them so that, on my blog, I can offer people discounts on their luggage). Their suitcases are made from reclaimed ocean- and waterway-bound plastic. I’ve never before felt so strongly about a product and its environmental mission that I sank a not insignificant sum of money into the company.

    Another idea for your plastic-reduction list is metal straws. They’re getting easier and easier to find. I keep one in my purse and I’m getting better and better at remembering to tell the server “no straws please” BEFORE they bring out our drinks. 😉

    Thanks so much for putting out this important post, Aiva!

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    1. That’s a fantastic collaboration – I believe we have to protect what we love! I am always keen on products that are ethically made, sustainably sourced, and accessible to all. Therefore, I have to check out Solgaard and the story behind it as it can be challenging to find the perfect suitcase. And when it comes to single-use plastics- in my humble opinion, there’s no excuse to still be using plastic bags, takeaway coffee cups and plastic water bottles. Especially as there are many affordable and reusable alternatives. It doesn’t take much to be a champion for our oceans, the animals that live there and the humans that depend on them. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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        1. Yes, you are right – the Plastic Bag Levy was introduced in Ireland in March 2001 and the retailer must generally charge €0.22 per plastic bag supplied. The levy applies to carrier bags when you buy goods including groceries, clothing, beauty items and gifts. There are plenty of other countries where you have to pay for plastic bags. Fourteen years ago, South Africans started paying for plastic bags to develop the recycling sector. Apparently, 15 years later, about R1.8 billion has been raised by means of the plastic bag levy. It’s a staggering amount!

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    1. Thanks so much, Maggie. While many of the issues regarding oceans will require leadership from governments and businesses, there are plenty of actions we can take that will make a big difference for the ocean. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You are welcome, Linda 🙂
      It’s scary to think that the need to save your oceans has become more urgent than ever before. I try to do as much as I can – from reducing the use of plastic to cleaning up our local beaches, but there’s still a long way to go. I learned to love sea life through education; I grew to appreciate the ocean and marine life and take a more caring and careful approach to all things oceanic. Instead of mass consumption, I became preoccupied with sustainable alternatives. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 All it takes is implementation and the requisite motivation and compassion to effectively rescue the earth’s oceans. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 It makes me sad that the world’s oceans are facing unprecedented danger due to various issues, including overfishing, pollution, oil spills, and more. You don’t have to captain a boat to cause harm to the ocean. Simple things like using certain skincare products containing microplastic exfoliants and certain sunscreens can harm delicate coral reefs and ocean animals. Therefore, I wanted to shine a light on a few things we all can do to protect the oceans. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  13. Happy World Ocean’s Day! I think we could all benefit by being more mindful of our planet in how we care for it, especially since we live on it. Oceans are important for life, and it’s a shame that they’re being affected due to global warming (caused by us humans). Here’s to improving our oceans and our lives to live!

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    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca! Oceans are important and fortunately, we can do things to be more environmentally conscious of helping reduce our carbon footprint. Simply turning off the lights, unplugging appliances, or using energy-efficient alternatives can help reduce widespread pollution and energy demand. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  14. We love the sea! Getting involved in a beach clean-up session is such a great idea – it’s not only good for the environment, but also a lot of fun with like-minded people (we’ve done it many times). Thank you Aiva for telling us about all the different ways to take care of our beautiful ocean 🌊.

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    1. We love oceans and all the living creatures within them, too. Knowing that protecting the ocean has a triple whammy effect, safeguarding climate, food and biodiversity, it should inspire people across the globe to get more involved. I hope that one day we can all unite and make the change because protecting oceans is not just an environmental obligation but a collective responsibility.

      Happy World Ocean Day and thanks for stopping by 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Hi, Anita 🙂 The sooner people will realise that the trash piling up in the seas is our problem and that everyone has to take action, the sooner we can tackle every challenge regarding them. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  16. This is a wonderful compilation of ways to support and bring awareness to the conservation of our precious oceans. I do love participating in beach clean-ups- it is so rewarding! I have also been greatly affected by several of the documentaries you mentioned (Seaspiracy and Chasing Coral in particular) and recommend these to friends and family. Thank you for sharing this post and shining a light on such an important issue!

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    1. Hi, Laura, it’s so nice to hear from you 🙂 I cried watching all the ocean documentaries, including Chasing Coral – somehow environmental documentaries, besides having an impact on my bad habits, have a massive power to elicit an emotional reaction, too. It’s horrifying to think that there was once a time when filmmakers rejected stories about what was really happening to the planet because they didn’t want to push audiences away. And even though many people don’t want to admit and commit to changes, there’s no denying that we can’t hide from the truth any more. Thanks for stopping by and I hope all is well on Vancouver Island 🙂 Take care Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Lyssy. It feels like we no longer have the luxury to wait and solve one crisis at a time—we must kick our fossil fuel habit and mitigate climate change’s impacts *and* take steps now to safeguard the ocean wildlife and habitat we need and love for the future. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day. I hope that the smoke has cleared in New York city. Cheers, Aiva 🙂 xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ruth! Our health and climate are intrinsically linked to ocean health, and if we don’t work hard to help our oceans in a big way, it’s going to stop helping us. Your son is working in such an exciting field – scientists are the most interesting people in the world. I admire anyone whose passionate about oceans and I think it takes a certain type of person to dedicate their lives to the advancement of science. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  19. Many excellent options here, Aiva. It’s too easy to accept the packaging and plastics that are constantly thrust at us, isn’t it? You make some great points. I need to reevaluate.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jo 🙂 I firmly believe that change starts with action. Better yet, an action that affects the world around you.

      Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and easy things that we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint, adapt to climate change and make a big difference to the natural world. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  20. What a beautiful post! Unfortunately I did not celebrate the world ocean day because I was stuck in the city with paperwork to do! However, in my little, I always try to support as much as I can! Protecting our planet and oceans is so important! Everytime I have the chance and I go to the ocean, I’m in awe of how beautiful and strong it is! I can spend entire hours just watching it!

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 I find that World Oceans Day is the perfect date to remember the critical functions that the oceans deliver for the survival of humans, whether we live near or far from the shore.

      We tend to live every day, unaware of the impacts that our daily actions have on the health of the oceans and marine ecosystems. This tendency may even increase when living in a city that is far from the coast. In consequence, we unplug from understanding the role of the oceans in our daily lives, and we are at risk of unintentionally harming marine ecosystems by being unaware of our connection with the sea. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 World Oceans Day offers a fantastic opportunity to rise awareness, promote conservation, and celebrate the critical role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth. Cheers, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  22. It pains me to see the litter along streets and the countryside as I know only too well this ends up in creeks, riverways, and eventually the ocean.
    Living on a sailing boat for 21 years, I saw firsthand the garbage in oceans, seas, island shores, and mainland coastlines. It’s tragic.
    I’ve been travelling in the Balkans for almost 2 months and in Kosovo – the litter is awful. 😦

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    1. Seeing the staggering amount of litter washing up on the Irish shores breaks my heart. The trash in our ocean is a serious issue threatening the marine ecosystem and those whose livelihood depends on it. The good news is that marine debris is a man-made problem, which means we can also be the ones who solve it! Laziness and carelessness have bred a culture of habitual littering. People seem to have become too lazy and unwilling to throw away trash appropriately. Since people perceive no consequence for their actions when they throw items anyhow and anywhere, it has created the “I don’t care attitude.” Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. I have to stop by your blog to see if there are any posts about your sailing adventures. Cheers, Aiva xx

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  23. This guide is beautifully informative! It is crucial to celebrate World Oceans Day with gratitude and awareness. Thank you for your thoughtful advice on how to make a positive impact.

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    1. Thanks so much. You don’t have to live by the coast to make a difference. Such simple things as pushing back against plastic straws or saying no to toxic sunscreen products can make a huge difference when it comes to ocean health. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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