World Oceans Day

**UPDATE** Access to our online platform is now closed but a selection of videos are available on our YouTube Channel @nocnews.

A survey conducted by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in partnership with YouGov, has revealed the key concerns of ocean-related climate issues among the general public.

**UPDATED** Our World Oceans Day platform is closed. A selection of the videos have been made on-demand via our NOCNEWS YouTube channel.

To celebrate World Oceans Day on 8 June 2021 the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is providing a free digital day of educational talks, hot-topic discussions and virtual tours, which will replace our usual on-site Open Day.

The global ocean is the largest and most valuable ecosystem on the planet, and as world population is set to grow to 9 billion by 2050, attention will turn to the ocean for vital resources – food, energy and minerals. Can the oceans meet this demand and survive the impact of pollution and climate change?

NOC scientists will be using global ocean models to identify the most effective way for low income countries, such as Madagascar, to adapt to climate change.

For example, ocean warming model projections will help identify the future risk of coral bleaching, which enables planning for the impact on the fisheries and tourism that depend on the reef.

Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet is the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day and the National Oceanography Centre couldn’t agree more. “Of course, every day is World Oceans Day at the NOC!” according to Ed Hill, the NOC’s Executive Director.

The United Nations has declared 8 June as World Oceans Day after the concept was proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The goal of World Oceans Day is to raise awareness of how vital the ocean is and its importance in daily life.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is starting its 50^th anniversary celebrations on 8 June, World Oceans Day.