World Ocean Day supports collaborative efforts to promote ocean health and wellbeing. It is a day set aside to unite individuals in the fight against climate change and damage to our seas. It is a day where anyone, anywhere can stand up and say that enough is enough and that now is the time for change before it is too late. It is a day about making a stand and promoting the importance of the message to others willing to hear and who don’t want to hear. We caught up with some local folk who are keen to make a difference in Portsmouth.
St Mary’s Church hosted a World Ocean event with evening performances from local school children, aquarium aquarists, story tellers, local artists and many more to send out a clear message about the need to protect and sustain our ocean environments. ‘Here in the south east we are lucky to have such an exciting, diverse range of marine life which includes sponges, squat lobsters, soft corals, seahorses and seals. However, the south east is an extremely busy area with various activities and marine users jostling for space and resources. Our seas continue to be exploited beyond sustainable levels resulting in the decline of fish stocks, loss of key habitats and species. It is vital that we have protected areas to minimise damage and disturbance.’ The Wildlife Trust
The speakers on the night were rationalising why all of the above issues have to be everyone’s problems, whey we all have to start caring more and doing our bit where and when we can. Simple tip cards were given out about ways to reduce plastic waste in your home, ways that would dismiss bad habits and become ritual and better for the environment. Beautiful sea creatures adorned the church and gave out a clear message that if we don’t do something soon, they will be gone forever. Locals joined together to show support and to raise awareness about the problems we as a community face if we don’t work as a team and act fast.
A poignant night indeed.
Learn more and help at: https://worldoceanday.org/take-action/
