Big coastline. Big water. Big responsibility.
So, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves? Awesome! Here are some amazing ways you can make a difference for the ocean. Let us know how you got involved by tagging #OceanWeekCanada.
So, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves? Awesome! Here are some amazing ways you can make a difference for the ocean. Let us know how you got involved by tagging #OceanWeekCanada.
Add your voice to a national survey on how people in Canada (You!) perceive, value, and interact with the ocean and local waterways that lead to it. The Ocean & Society Survey is launching in Canada on June 20th, as part of the Ocean Week Canada 2024 celebrations.
I WANT TO DO THIS!Test the water quality of your local waterbody. The first step to protecting water is learning what’s in it.
I WANT TO DO THIS!Microfibres from our laundry are one of the largest sources of microplastics pollution in the ocean. Washing in cold helps clothes last longer, fade less and reduces the amount of microfibres that shed from fabrics. To learn more about this campaign, led by Metro Vancouver, and what else you can do to make an impact, visit the link below.
I WANT TO DO THIS!The Canadian government has promised to protect 30 percent of Canada’s Ocean territory by 2030. Hold the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard accountable by sending them a letter using this form today!
I WANT TO DO THIS!Organize a beach or shoreline cleanup in your community. Litter harms wildlife and ecosystems, but you can help to restore them by picking up trash. Many organizations lead and support beach and shoreline cleanups. Check out these and get involved: Ocean Wise - Canadawide ; Surfrider Foundation Canada - BC ; Mission 1000 tonnes - Québec.
I WANT TO DO THIS!The high seas are the maritime area that lies beyond the areas under the jurisdiction of any/all countries. In other words, the high seas form the international waters. The high seas take up half of the world's surface and account for 65% of the surface area of the global ocean and 90% of their volume. They belong to no one and are the responsibility of everyone! Currently, they are not protected. The High Seas Treaty aims to change this, becoming the world’s first international law to safeguard marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Canada has not yet ratified this treaty.
I WANT TO LEARN MORE!Nearly 90% of plastic waste in Canada ends up in landfills, incinerators, lakes, parks and the global ocean. Plastic pollution hurts the wildlife we love, the planet we live on and, ultimately, us. We can all take individual action to limit our plastic consumption. We also need national and international action to solve the problem as plastic production and pollution continues to increase. Countries, including Canada, are negotiating an international treaty that could set limits on global plastic production. But it’s not a done deal.
I WANT TO HELP!Join us in a global effort to tell the ocean's story! Download the eOceans app on your phone, head to the coastline, and simply log what you see in the app—whether it's marine life, pollution, or human activities. Your observations are invaluable for guiding research and policy to protect and restore ocean health and community well-being. Even if you're not near the ocean, you can still download the app to follow other people and projects, seeing what's happening today around the world. Together, let's document the beauty and challenges our oceans face, ensuring their story is told every day through your eyes. Dive in and make a difference!
I WANT TO DO THIS!iNaturalist is like having a huge guide for identifying plant and animal species in your pocket, but in mobile format! Identify species, capture your observations and contribute towards the improvement of biodiversity knowledge of Parks Canada sites across the country. It's nature at your fingertips!
I WANT TO DO THIS!