Feature Photo by: Belle Co
I’ve always had a deep love for the oceans. There’s something about the vastness, the sense of calm, and the teeming life beneath the surface that makes me feel both small and connected to the wider world. Whether it’s the salty air on a summer’s day, the rhythmic crash of waves, or the playful dance of dolphins, our oceans have a way of reminding us of our place on this planet. But as beautiful as our seas are, they are also incredibly fragile, and that’s why I want to take a moment to talk about World Ocean Day and why it’s so important.
WHAT IS WORLD OCEAN DAY?
World Ocean Day is celebrated every year on the 8th of June. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, but its origins date back to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The goal of this global celebration is simple yet profound: to raise awareness about the vital role our oceans play in our lives and to inspire collective action to protect them.
The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet’s surface, produce at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and absorb nearly a third of the carbon dioxide we produce, making them one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth. They are home to an estimated 2.2 million species, and countless communities around the world rely on them for food, jobs, and cultural identity.
But despite their importance, our oceans are in trouble. The theme for this year’s World Ocean Day is ‘Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate’, a call to action that reflects the urgent need to address the challenges our seas face and to restore their health for future generations.
THE ISSUES OUR OCEANS FACE
The oceans, covering more than 70% of our planet’s surface, are vital to the Earth’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in climate regulation, supporting diverse marine life, and providing resources for human livelihoods. However, these vast bodies of water are increasingly under threat from a variety of environmental issues. From the insidious spread of pollution and the devastating impacts of climate change to the overexploitation of marine resources and the destruction of habitats, our oceans face a multitude of challenges that demand urgent attention and action.
Understanding these issues is the first step towards preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans for future generations. Here, we explore the key environmental challenges confronting our oceans today.
Global Warming and Ocean Acidification
Climate change stands as one of the most pressing threats to our oceans. As we persist in burning fossil fuels and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, our oceans absorb a significant portion of this excess heat. In fact, more than 90% of the heat trapped by these gases has been taken in by the seas. This warming not only raises ocean temperatures but also disrupts marine ecosystems and alters ocean currents, which can, in turn, affect global weather patterns.
Warming seas contribute to coral bleaching too – a phenomenon where corals expel the algae that live within their tissues, turning them ghostly white and severely weakening them. Coral reefs, which support about 25% of all marine life, are particularly vulnerable. The Great Barrier Reef alone has lost over half of its coral cover in the past three decades due to warming waters and other stressors.
Furthermore, our oceans are becoming increasingly acidic. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the ocean’s ph. This acidification can erode the calcium carbonate shells of organisms such as corals, molluscs, and certain plankton, all of which are essential to the oceanic food chain. If this trend continues, the repercussions for marine biodiversity and food security could be catastrophic.
Plastic Pollution
Our reliance on plastic is another significant issue. Each year, approximately 11 million tonnes of plastic waste find their way into our oceans – a number projected to nearly triple by 2040 if no measures are taken. This pollution, ranging from discarded fishing nets and single-use packaging to microplastics originating from clothing and car tires, is suffocating our seas. It is estimated that by 2050, the ocean could contain more plastic by weight than fish.
Microplastics, in particular, present a huge challenge. These minuscule plastic particles – often smaller than 5mm – are derived from various sources, including synthetic apparel (think your cheap swimming suit), degraded larger plastics, and even certain cosmetics. Once they enter the ocean, marine life consumes them, allowing these particles to infiltrate the food chain and eventually our bodies. Research has identified microplastics in everything from deep-sea fish to bottled water, and even within human blood, brain, heart and lung tissue.
Chemical Pollution
It’s not only plastic that is harming our oceans; chemical pollution from agriculture, industry and urban runoff also presents a major threat. Fertilisers and pesticides from agricultural practices wash into rivers and eventually flow into the sea, forming “dead zones”, regions so low in oxygen that most marine life cannot survive. For example, the Gulf of Mexico is home to one of the largest dead zones in the world, which keeps expanding over 8,000 square miles each summer.
In addition, other chemical pollutants such as heavy metals, industrial waste and untreated sewage can poison marine organisms and disrupt ecosystems. Mercury, for instance, accumulates in fish and can lead to serious health issues for humans who consume contaminated seafood.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CLEAN UP OUR OCEANS
Healthy oceans are essential for life on Earth, playing a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s ecological balance. They regulate our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and storing heat, thus helping to moderate global temperatures. Oceans support coastal economies by providing jobs in sectors like fishing, tourism, and transportation, which millions of people depend on for their livelihoods. Additionally, the oceans are a critical source of protein for billions of people worldwide, with fish being a primary dietary staple in many communities.
However, these vital functions can only continue if we actively protect and preserve our oceans. Cleaning up our oceans is not solely about removing the visible plastic waste that litters their surfaces; it involves a comprehensive approach to restoring entire ecosystems that have been damaged by pollution, overfishing, and climate change. By doing so, we support marine biodiversity, which is essential for a resilient and functioning ecosystem. Healthy marine habitats provide breeding and feeding grounds for countless species, maintaining the delicate balance of ocean life.
Our Role in Ocean Conservation and Environmental Harmony
Ensuring the health of our oceans is crucial for the well-being of future generations. By safeguarding these waters, we help secure a sustainable environment where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. This involves implementing policies that reduce pollution, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and investing in innovative technologies that can aid in the cleanup and preservation efforts. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us to contribute to the protection of our oceans, recognising their indispensable role in sustaining life on our planet.
BRILLIANT BRANDS SUPPORTING OCEAN CLEANUPS
As usual, I‘ve put together a list of brands that you can support (I certainly do) which support ocean cleanup projects. What better time than World Ocean Day to start shopping your essentials from more eco-friendly brands?!
Finisterre
Finisterre is a Cornwall-based outdoor brand that is deeply committed to ocean conservation. Not only do they create high-quality, long-lasting gear, but they also run the ‘Bower Collection’, a swimwear line made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which is created using discarded fishing nets and other ocean plastic waste. By supporting this brand, you’re not just getting great outdoor clothing, but also helping to clean up our oceans.
United By Blue
United By Blue is a purpose-driven brand founded on the belief that business can be a powerful force for environmental good. With a deep commitment to protecting the planet’s most vital resources, United By Blue pledges to remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. This bold mission is more than a marketing promise—it’s a core value embedded in every aspect of the company’s operations. Through large-scale, community-driven cleanup efforts across the U.S. and beyond, the brand has already removed over 1.5 million pounds of trash from marine and freshwater ecosystems.
As a certified B Corporation, United By Blue meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Their products—ranging from sustainable apparel to responsibly made home goods—reflect a deep dedication to ethical manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
Batoko
Batoko is a small, independent swimwear brand based on the northwest coast of England, dedicated to turning plastic waste into purpose. Their swimsuits are made entirely from 100% upcycled plastic, intercepted before reaching landfills or oceans. Known for their fun, flattering, and comfortable designs, Batoko combines style with sustainability. They also collaborate with organizations like the Marine Conservation Society UK to support ocean conservation efforts. Driven by a belief in circular fashion, Batoko aims to reduce plastic pollution by transforming existing waste into reusable products—helping to minimize the environmental impact of both plastic production and disposal.
Fourth Element
Known for their dive wear and ocean-inspired clothing, Fourth Element is another brand making a real difference. They use recycled materials in their products, like their ‘OceanPositive’ swimwear line, which is made from 100% post-consumer waste, including ghost fishing nets recovered from the sea. These Rec Fins, are the first scuba diving fins made from recycled post-consumer plastic, combine high performance with sustainability. Their design enhances thrust and control while significantly lowering environmental impact—truly minimising your “fin print” on the ocean.
Notpla
Notpla is an innovative UK-based company creating seaweed-based packaging that biodegrades naturally. Notpla’s materials are designed to break down like fruit peels, meaning they won’t contribute to the microplastic problem even if they end up in the sea. The company’s work is a fantastic example of how businesses can create truly sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic, helping to reduce the millions of tonnes of plastic entering our oceans each year.
SEA2SEE
SEA2SEE creates premium sunglasses using recycled ocean plastic waste, including abandoned fishing nets and ropes. They also provide free eyewear to fishing communities involved in collecting marine waste.
Waterhaul
Based in Cornwall, Waterhaul takes old, discarded fishing nets and turns them into stylish, durable sunglasses. By recycling ghost nets, Waterhaul is tackling one of the deadliest forms of ocean plastic pollution.
PAPER LONDON
PAPER is a stylish, sustainable swimwear brand that contributes to ocean conservation by using fabric made from recycled fishing nets. This innovative approach helps reduce marine waste while transforming it into quick-drying, high-performance swimwear. The brand highlights the potential of technical fabrics to turn harmful ocean debris into luxury fashion.
Ocean Bottle
Ocean Bottle is on a mission to combat the ocean plastic crisis, backed by a global community of ocean advocates. In pursuit of this goal, the brand set out to design the only bottle anyone would ever need. Combining sleek aesthetics with functionality, Ocean Bottle produces durable, reusable bottles made from a blend of stainless steel and ocean-bound recycled plastic.
Each purchase funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles, helping to prevent more than 5 million kilograms of plastic from entering the ocean to date. Creating a product that is both sustainable and stylish is no small task, but Ocean Bottle has succeeded in developing one of the most environmentally conscious reusable bottles available today.
Bureo
Bureo’s NetPlus programme is leading a new wave of recycled materials by giving discarded fishing nets a second life. Through this innovative initiative, abandoned nets are collected and transformed into recycled plastic pellets, which are then used to create a wide range of products—from sunglasses and outerwear to skateboards, surfboard fins, hats, and activewear. The resulting NetPlus material is a high-quality, high-impact solution embraced by industry-leading brands looking to elevate their sustainability efforts. NetPlus not only reduces ocean plastic pollution but also supports a more circular and responsible approach to manufacturing.
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