As environmental concerns gain increasing attention in the media, it is our responsibility to engage and educate children to ensure that they understand why the ocean is so important to us all and to inspire them to want to protect it. In the words of oceans’ pioneer Jacques Cousteau, “People protect what they love”.
So, here’s our pick of the key ocean events that we think will inspire students of all ages to want to protect the ocean in 2021.
SeaWeek Australia: 6 – 14 March 2021
2021 theme: The Ocean and Humans are Inextricably Interconnected
SeaWeek Australia is an annual major public awareness campaign which aims to educate and encourage appreciation of the sea. SeaWeek is a great opportunity to increase focus on the deeply woven relationship we have with the ocean and how our survival is underpinned by the health of our oceans.
Involve your school: www.aaee.org.au/events/seaweek
More info: www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/celebrate-seaweek-australia/
World Oceans Day: 8 June 2021
2021 theme: The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods
World Oceans Day 2021 is on a mission to deepen understanding of our relationship with the ocean and inspire action to protect it. This year the focus is on how the ocean is our life-source and supports humanity and every other organism on Earth. The focus is on key issues such as plastic pollution, rising water temperatures, overfishing, sewage dumps and other factors impacting the ocean’s ability to thrive as it should.
Involve your school: worldoceanday.school
World Whale Day: 20 February 2021
World Whale Day began in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii. It’s all about reminding us of the challenges whales face oceans across the globe. Observed annually on the third Sunday in February, World Whale Day celebrates everything about whales.
Involve your school: www.wilderness.org.au/happy-world-whale-day
More info: https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/annual-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/
World Sea Turtle Day: 16 June 2021
World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on 16 June annually as it is the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr, the so-called “father of sea turtle biology.” His research highlighted the plight of sea turtles and drove community support to protect them and celebrate them annually on World Sea Turtle Day.
Involve your school: conserveturtles.org/june-16th-is-world-sea-turtle-day/
Shark Awareness Day: 14 July 2021
Sharks get a huge amount of bad press, yet on average one person is killed by a shark in Australia each year and heaps more are killed by horses and cows!! Without sharks in Australian waters, many ecosystems would not be sustainable, and we would be denied the pleasure of exploring amazing underwater habitats such as the world’s largest natural wonder, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The impact on tourism and economies would be huge. Shark Awareness Day aims to separate fact from myth and promote a positive image for these amazing creatures.
Involve your school: www.sharktrust.org/blog/shark-awareness-day
More info: https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-sharks-facts/
Check out our Annual Events Calendar for even more great reasons to celebrate the ocean in 2021.
Lock in the Dates!
Remember to lock in the dates and get planning so you can make the most of these ocean celebrations at your school. Little ripples make big waves!
Bring Learning to Life With A Live Marine Animal Program
Why not book in an Ocean Life Education program to compliment your teaching and bring it all to life. All programs are delivered by qualified Marine Educators with a passion for the ocean. They provide a lively, fun, and interactive experience with our live marine animals and are designed to educate and inspire schools and community to protect our precious marine environment.
This year’s theme is: Our SEArch – what will you discover? It’s based around the fact that the Ocean is largely unexplored.
And it is not just marine life that is supported by the ocean, we humans depend on our oceans too! On average, we each consume around 25 kilograms of seafood every year, so we rely on it for our food and for economic benefit and jobs. If that’s not enough, we also rely on the ocean for: oxygen, carbon dioxide absorption, climate regulation, breakdown and removal of waste, marine transportation, medicine, tourism, recreation, and fun. The list goes on!
*Decorate your classroom or childcare setting
SeaWeek 2022 is hosted by the AAEE (Australian Association for Environmental Education). If you are planning to run a SeaWeek event, competition, or activity, they’d love to promote it! Email: seaweek@aaee.org.au for more information.
Ocean Life Education is dedicated to promoting the preservation of our marine environment to communities and schools. We spend SeaWeek Australia visiting