How Blue Are You?

The theme of this year"s World Oceans Day is "Oceans of Life," where people are encouraged to build a connection with their favorite ocean species.© Elizabeth Sellers

June 8 is World Oceans Day—a day meant to celebrate the oceans of the world and to recognize our connection to them. Originally proposed by the Canadian government at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the day was unofficially celebrated every year since. In 2008, World Oceans Day was officially recognized by the U.N.

With the help of the Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network, events happen all over the world to commemorate the day, in schools, businesses, organizations, aquariums, and other places. Events include beach parties, sand castle competitions, parades, book signing, cleanups and pledge drives.

This year’s theme is "Oceans of Life," where people are encouraged to build a connection with their favorite ocean species. Whether you’re dressing up as a marine creature to clean up beaches in Hermanus, South Africa or attending a screening of the Coral Sea Dreaming documentary in Queensland, Australia, find an event near you to celebrate.

SOURCE: World Oceans Day.