Make a Wave on World Oceans Day in Southern California

By Maria Del Cisne Vital

Southern California is nothing without its beaches. But the most essential part of a beach (the beautiful ocean) often goes unrecognized and unappreciated. Help organizations across SoCal preserve and draw attention to the importance of our world’s oceans for World Oceans Day. Dive into the fun and educational opportunities below!

4Ocean Santa Monica Beach Cleanup

June 8 @ 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Approximately 16 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year, according to sciencemag.org. This year, 4Ocean is holding a beach cleanup to help lessen the amount of plastic our oceans have endured this year. All participants will receive a blue 4Ocean t-shirt and Limited Edition 4Ocean Bracelet. All volunteers will be provided with a reusable burlap bag and gloves. Bring a reusable water bottle if you have one, a great step towards reducing plastic use!

Santa Monica State Beach (south of Santa Monica Pier)

16 Arcadia Terrace, Los Angeles County, Santa Monica, California 90401

4ocean.com/

Aquarium of the Pacific’s World Oceans Day

June 8

With the cost of admission on June 8^th, visitors of the aquarium will get the chance to learn about the issues affecting our oceans, such as climate change and ocean pollution. Films, shows and exhibits will all provide valuable information about these issues plus ways to help make a positive impact on our oceans. The ocean still remains 90 percent unexplored! There’s still a lot to learn, but going to the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great way to start.

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 590-3100

aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/world_ocean_day/

World Oceans Day at The Nat

June 8 @ 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is celebrating World Oceans Day by emphasizing the importance of a healthy world ocean! By celebrating this important day, the Nat’s theme is to encourage solutions to plastic pollution and prevent marine litter for a healthier ocean and a better future. Their Docents and Whalers will be available to guests for any questions you may have— the ocean is their passion, so they know their stuff! Plan your visit and make your “promise” to foster a better, healthier world ocean.

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 232-3821

sdnhm.org/

World Oceans Day Festival

June 9 @ 10 a.m.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center has collaborated with UC Santa Barbara in offering free admission to celebrate World Oceans Day. Among the many events and activities available to guests, some include: exploring a kelp holdfast that provides a home to small marine animals, speaking with marine biologists to learn how the Thomas fire affected the ocean’s food web, and speak with outreach teams from UCSB, the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Don’t miss out on this informative experience!

211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 962-2526

sbnature.org/

Kelp Forest Cleanup Kayak Tour

June 9 @ 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Have fun and make a difference on this fun excursion coordinated by Terranea Resort. The coastal kayak tour will take place in the morning or afternoon, and as you take in the beauty of the ocean you can help preserve it by picking up trash along the way. Guests of ages eight and up can continue to allow the kelp forest, a natural filter that usually traps trash, to thrive.

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

(866) 547-3066

terranea.com/events/06082018-world-oceans-day

Wear Blue for the Ocean

If you can’t make it out to any of the events, show your love for the ocean by wearing blue on June 9^th. On this day, advocates across the country are joining forces and marching for a great cause– the ocean! By wearing blue, you’ll show support for stopping offshore drilling, reducing plastic pollution, and preserving coastlines in the face of rising seas. Post on social media and tell your friends all about the importance of the ocean.

marchfortheocean.org/