World Ocean Month 2023
01
Jun
Summer is here in the Sunshine State. It’s June. More importantly, it’s World Ocean Month! What’s the hype, you ask? Well, look around. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, the Suwannee River, Lake Okeechobee, hundreds of springs and every estuary in between. We are surrounded by water.
In partnership with our friends at Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation, we’re here to remind you that in Florida, we depend on our waterways and our waterways depend on us.
FAST FACTS
- No matter where you are in Florida, you are never more than 60 miles from the ocean
- Our state is home to the 3rd largest coral reef in the world
- Half a million Floridians work in the ocean economy
- There are 1,700 rivers in Florida bringing inland waters to the sea
Whether you are a resident or a visitor here, you have a role to play in protecting one of our most vital resources.
Creating less waste is an easy place to start for us all – especially given that more than 80% of ocean litter comes from land-based activities. Choosing to reuse and putting trash in its proper place are simple ways to help reduce the amount of debris ending up in our waterways. Other ways to be ocean-minded this month (and every month) include eating sustainably sourced seafood, choosing clean products that lack toxic chemicals and practicing safe boating when you’re out on the water.
By keeping our ocean and waterways clean and healthy, we help ensure that they can sustain the crucial ecosystem services that provide many cultural and economic benefits to our state and others.
Here’s to making every day #WorldOceanDay!