In this day and age we have become so educated and so connected that we now know just how important the ocean is.
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For years we have been using it as a limitless garbage tip, but now we need to change the way we have used the ocean.
The ocean takes up 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, though only about 5 per cent of it has been explored so it must be limitless, right? It is not.
Some of the biggest pressures on the ocean include the mass loss of apex predators, dead zones now at the end of every major river, overfishing with extremely effective fishing techniques that take the lot including the ocean floor, ghost fishing via lost nets and those put in place for sharks.
The recent mass loss of reefs around the world due to warming temperatures, ocean acidification, and of course our plastic pollution that can be already found in every corner of the ocean, is also placing pressure on the ocean.
Here at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters we believe World Ocean Day, on June 8, may be the most important day of the year. After all, more than half the oxygen we breath comes from the ocean, so in effect no ocean equals no us.
Our amazing staff at Irukandji are dedicated to the ocean.
The best bit is we are not alone.
Millions of people over the world will be thinking about the ocean and holding events of their own on June 8 - World Ocean Day. In Australia there are 21 registered events in 2017, two of which here in Port Stephens.
Ocean and Coastal Care Initiative (OCCI), a brilliant local conservation organisation, is having a screening of Pirates Of The Caribbean Dead Men Tell no Tales at 6pm at Nelson Bay Cinemas on June 8. If you are planning to see the film why not dress up as a pirate and join the festivities? Tickets available at www.stickytickets.com.au/52284/.
The other event of World Oceans Day (week) running from the June 5 to 11 is at Irukandji.
Every year we hold an event with major savings for our visitors for the sake of ocean awareness.
This year we are giving away free Shark Encounters to every single person who brings in their Sea Shelter competition (art work) constructed from recycled materials or marine debris. For competition details go to our website www.sharkencounters.com.au/latest-news or our Facebook page.
Lia Pereira is from Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters at Bobs Farm.
