Although we might be surrounded by forests, parks, green spaces and concrete, land isn’t king on this planet as water covers more than 70 per cent of the globe.
A quick look from space proves this point with many calling our Earth the “blue planet.”
Yet, many threats are currently jeopardizing the future of our oceans, from pollution to rising temperatures. In response, World Ocean Day was launched over two decades ago to help protect and restore our seas.
Since its launch in 2002, the event has grown to include thousands of activities, observed by millions each year and supported by over 2,000 organizations across 180 countries.
Among them are Eagle Wing Tours and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, who teamed up 11 years ago to host Victoria's first World Ocean Day event at Fisherman’s Wharf.
This year was no expectation, with the event taking place on June 8.
“Oceans are the one thing that connects the entire planet to one another; it's the lifeblood of the planet,” said Brett Soberg, co-owner of Eagle Wing Tours. “Hopefully (this event) will inspire people of all ages to think about how they can protect the oceans.”
With 32 educational booths, marine-related organizations informed hundreds of visitors at this year’s event about everything from seaweed to wildlife.
“Fifty per cent of the oxygen we breathe comes from the oceans, and as a community that has and will continue to be next to the ocean, we have to take it seriously,” said Lewis-Manning, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
With sustainability as this year’s central theme, both Soberg and Lewis-Manning welcomed members of the Kosapsom and Songhees Nations, whom they described as crucial partners in the efforts to protect the region’s waters.
“(They) have been stewarding this harbour forever,” said Lewis Manning. “I think we both feel that that partnership with their people is part of the future of making sure this is a sustainable harbour.
“We build that bridge, we walk across it.”
