Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

107 Shares
107 Shares
WedJul 24

National marine week – July 24, 2024

Contrary to the title, National Marine Week is celebrated for a fortnight from July 24 to August 8 to appreciate the magnificent sea animals and plants that exist in the United Kingdom on a national scale. During National Marine Week, people from all over the United Kingdom may come out to explore their local shoreline as the retreating sea reveals its treasures. Take time out to protect and appreciate marine life for the next two weeks.

History of National marine week

National Marine Week was organized to motivate people to better understand and care for the ocean. The holiday encourages us to appreciate and protect our oceans. During National Marine Week, people take time to focus on how vital the oceans are to humanity, given that they constitute the largest ecosystem on the planet. In addition to containing 97% of the planet’s water, they also make up 80% of the planet’s biodiversity, with more than 30,000 species.

However, the natural world is rapidly degrading. The oceans are under threat as a result of global warming. The primary factors can be attributed to human activities, so we must do everything we can to assist in saving them. The bottom line is that if we end up losing the oceans, everything will quickly deteriorate. It has been estimated that about 80% of global marine fish populations have been overexploited or depleted, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Due to the threat posed by this, biodiversity is imperiled, with severe consequences to food security and the global economy.

According to a published study, the world’s frozen oceans are melting at a rate that is significantly quicker than previously predicted. The world’s glaciers are now the smallest they’ve ever been in mankind’s history, and their melting is responsible for one-third of the rising of the world’s sea level. A few examples of materials discarded in the ocean that are particularly detrimental to marine life include cigarette butts, fishing wires, and large amounts of plastic debris, all of which are biodegradable.

National marine week timeline

1970s
Marine Conservation Begins

Marine conservation gains recognition globally after World War II.

1973
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution

The International Maritime Organization under the United Nations sets up the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution (MARPOL) to reduce the marine pollution ships cause.

Early 2000s
Reusable Bags are Here

As customers begin to reject single-use plastic shopping bags and the use of reusable bags becomes increasingly popular.

2001
Oceana is Established

The founding of Oceana increases advocacy that will keep the oceans healthy.

National marine week FAQs

What is the significance of protecting the oceans?

Climate change impacts can be reduced when the oceans are healthy. Temperature and weather patterns are controlled by ocean currents, which transport heat around the world. They also absorb more than 90% of the heat and 30% of the CO2 emissions that are released into the atmosphere by human activity.

What are the benefits of marine-protected areas?

To restore the oceans’ productivity and avert further depletion, marine protected zones are necessary. They also attract tourists, support a sustainable fishing industry, and serve as scientific research sites.

What is the worst killer of marine life?

Plastic pollution is expected to kill hundreds of thousands of marine mammals each year. It’s difficult to say what the precise number will be.

National marine week Activities

  1. Avoid disposable plastics

    Commemorating National Marine Week by choosing reusable containers, such as coffee cups and water bottles, is an excellent place to start. If you'd rather not pollute the environment, go for reusable bags instead of plastic ones as they perform the same functions while posing no environmental harm.

  2. Go out with family

    To celebrate, get the whole family out in nature and teach the younger children about the world around them. One easy way to get engaged is to go out to the sea and observe marine life. While you are there, pick up any litter you see.

  3. Support local conservation efforts

    Support the holiday by attending any one of its numerous events. You may also donate to a charity dedicated to preserving the animals and plants in the ocean. Volunteering is also a good way to show your support.

5 Important Facts About The Ocean And Marine Life

  1. Oxygen supply

    Researchers estimate that the ocean produces between 50% and 80% of the world's total oxygen supply.

  2. Largely unexplored

    It is estimated that humans have explored only 5% of the world's waters thus far.

  3. The Pacific Ocean

    The largest ocean was named after the Latin phrase ‘Tepre Pacificum,’ which translates to “Peaceful Sea.”

  4. The deepest part of the ocean

    The deepest known part of the Earth's ocean is a mind-blowing 6.8 miles below the water surface.

  5. Only a few species discovered

    Most of the organisms on our planet are aquatic, and we have only discovered a small proportion of the total number of species.

Why We Love National marine week

  1. It encourages preservation

    Raising awareness about the marine and coastal ecosystem, and encouraging the responsible use and preservation of natural resources, is the mission of the day. This benefits all generations, present and future.

  2. It pushes for a healthy ocean

    For environmental reasons, marine life conservation is critical. The oceans contain 80% of Earth's biodiversity, are the world's largest ecosystem, and are a major source of food. Healthy oceans help maintain our environment and atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen, just like land plants.

  3. It educates people

    The two weeks are filled with events and initiatives that educate people about the crucial marine life concerns. Marine life is threatened by a variety of factors, some of the most serious of which include overfishing, plastic pollution, and other pollutants that end up in coastal waters. These things harm marine life, vegetation, and animals.

National marine week dates

YearDateDay
2024July 24Wednesday
2025July 24Thursday
2026July 24Friday
2027July 24Saturday
2028July 24Monday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.