WORLD OCEAN DAY

By Dr. Álida Ortiz Sotomayor

The United Nations celebrates the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development from 2021 to 2030. The main goal is to facilitate global communication and mutual learning across research and stakeholder communities to meet the needs of scientists, policy makers, industry, civil society and the wider public.

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth supporting humanity’s life and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.

Photo: Dr. Michelle T. Shärer Umpierre

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act are dynamic and effective tools for the protection, not only the species that we eat, but all the biodiversity in our oceans. The fisheries management measures, such as gear-based restrictions and habitat-based measures, benefit the health of fisheries as well as other marine species and habitats. The identification of Essential Fish Habitats (EFH) and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) in the CFMC jurisdiction provides initiatives to protect ecosystems and biodiversity from the land to the sea The Responsible Seafood Consumption Campaign integrates all stakeholders in the wise use of underutilized species in our fisheries.

Photo: Dr. René F. Esteves Amador

June 8, 2021 is World Ocean Day. Let’s enjoy the sea, coasts, and blue spaces safely and sustainably. Encourage school projects on ocean literacy, respect for the sea, sustainability, and citizen responsibility and involvement Let’s participate in cleanup activities. Seek out science activities (monitoring, counting) near your community involving citizens. Learn about the sea and the history of our fisheries and coastal communities.