Originally conceived at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, World Oceans Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our world and own personal connection to the sea.
Floridians should have a special place in their hearts for our oceans, for our connection is direct and profound. We have more than 1,300 miles of coastline, and more than 70 percent of our population lives in coastal counties.
Pensacola Beach, March 2011, after the Deep Water Horizon Oil Sill.
Florida Sea Grant is committed to making a difference in protecting and conserving our ocean resources. We provide Floridians with the best available science through our off-campus extension programs to coastal decision makers as they make critical decisions.
Florida Sea Grant extension agent Bryan Fluech teaches a Florida Master Naturalist course at Lover’s Key State Park at Ft. Myer’s Beach. (UF/IFAS photo)
We work with coastal users such as commercial and recreational fishers, marina operators and boaters, classroom teachers and youth to help them gain a better appreciation of our marine resources, as well as adopt practices that lessen our impact on our resources. We are also helping train the next generation of scientists and resource managers in our classrooms since they will be making decisions on issues they inherit from us.
To learn more about World Oceans Day, and to find an event near you, visit WorldsOceanDay.org.
