Three Ways to Salute World Oceans Day

On World Oceans Day, traditionally held each year on June 8, people around the globe gather to celebrate and honor the ocean and the life it contains. The theme for 2012 is “Youth: the Next Wave for Change” and the event boasts a long list of activities designed to encourage young people to realize that the future of ocean conservation is in their hands.

To help celebrate locally, 5,000 students, teachers and volunteers will gather on Thursday, June 7 at Dockweiler State Beach for “Kids Ocean Day.” Not only will they help clean up the beach, but they plan to form an aerial art piece—a massive shark holding a shield, emblazoned with the message “Defend the Sea.”

Volunteers are still needed for the event, which is organized by the Malibu Foundation. Sign up.

Meanwhile, Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will celebrate World Oceans Day on June 9, 12:30-5 p.m. The Aquarium will offer ocean-themed games, activities, scavenger hunts and presentations. Staff will also announce the winners of the “My Perfect Ocean Contest,” which offers free registration at a Heal the Bay summer science program as the grand prize. Find out more.

But that’s not all! The Aquarium’s June 9 activities are part of the Santa Monica Pier Honolua Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival, featuring ocean swim, SUP and paddleboard races. This all-day event from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. benefits the Aquarium and also features hula dance groups, live music and an ocean sport history exhibition.

For more information, visit www.pierpaddle.com.