Date
Sunday
Jun

June 1-30

National Oceans Month

Dive into National Oceans Month with us! Join in on beach cleanups, educational events, and eco-friendly activities to preserve our beautiful oceans.

Yearly Date
June 1
Type
Month
Category
Cause

Introduction

Get ready to dive into a month-long celebration of our beautiful oceans on National Oceans Month, which begins on June 1! This annual event was established in 1988 by the US Congress to honor and protect our world's oceans and marine life. Not only do oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, but they also play a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet. From providing us with food and oxygen to regulating climate, there are countless reasons why we should appreciate and preserve these vast bodies of water. So let's make the most out of this month by learning more about our oceans and taking action to protect them for future generations to come.

National Oceans Month Timeline

1988
National Oceans Month's Beginning
US Congress officially established June as National Oceans Month to honor the world's oceans and marine life.
1992
First UN Conference on Environment
Ocean preservation became a global concern following the first UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.
2009
National Ocean Policy Established
President Barack Obama established a national policy for conservation and use of the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.
2010
Deepwater Horizon Disaster
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill becomes the largest marine oil spill in history, fueling conservation efforts during National Oceans Month.
2013
First World Oceans Summit
The first World Oceans Summit is held by The Economist, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation.
2017
Ocean Plastic Crisis Attention
Research on the enormity of the ocean plastic crisis gained global attention, reinforcing the importance of ocean health and sustainable practices during National Oceans Month.

How to Celebrate National Oceans Month

1

Go on a beach clean-up

Get involved in helping to keep our oceans clean by organizing or participating in a beach clean-up event. This is a great way to give back to the environment and celebrate National Oceans Month.

2

Attend an ocean conservation workshop

Educate yourself on the importance of ocean conservation by attending a workshop or seminar hosted by a local conservation organization. You'll learn about the impact of human actions on the ocean and what you can do to help.

3

Try a new water sport

Celebrate the beauty and vastness of the ocean by trying out a new water sport such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. Not only will you have fun, but you'll also appreciate the ocean even more.

4

Host a seafood cook-off

Gather some friends and family and host a seafood cook-off! Everyone can bring their favorite seafood dish to share and you can even make it a competition with prizes for the best dish.

5

Watch a documentary about the ocean

Spend a night in and watch a documentary about the ocean. This is a great way to learn more about our oceans and appreciate their beauty and importance in our world.

Why National Oceans Month is Important

A

It raises awareness for ocean conservation

National Oceans Month is an important time to bring attention to the pressing issue of ocean conservation. Through various events and campaigns, people are encouraged to learn more about the impact of human activities on our oceans and how we can take action to protect them.

B

It highlights the importance of marine life

Our oceans are home to a vast array of amazing creatures - from tiny plankton to giant whales. National Oceans Month brings attention to the beauty and diversity of marine life and encourages people to appreciate and protect these incredible animals.

C

It promotes responsible actions towards the ocean

By educating the public on issues such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, National Oceans Month encourages people to make responsible choices when it comes to their own impact on the ocean. This could include reducing plastic waste or choosing sustainable seafood options.

National Oceans Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 31
Wednesday
2024
May 31
Friday
2025
May 31
Saturday
2026
May 31
Sunday
2027
May 31
Monday