National Oceans Month – Jun. 1, 2027

National Oceans Month
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AwarenessConservationEnvironment
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Every June
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National Oceans Month is celebrated throughout June, recognizing the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. From regulating climate to providing food and oxygen, marine ecosystems are vital. Dive in and explore ways to support ocean conservation, learn about marine life, and advocate for healthier seas.

Want to sponsor National Oceans Month? Learn how

Expected National Oceans Month Deals

Throughout National Oceans Month, many organizations and brands pivot towards fundraising and awareness campaigns. Look for donation-matching programs from partners like Patagonia and 4ocean, who often run special promotions where a portion of sales benefits marine conservation groups such as Oceana and the Surfrider Foundation. Retailers like REI may feature sustainable outdoor gear, while brands like Bureo highlight products made from recycled ocean plastic. Many aquariums and science museums offer special exhibits and educational events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as June approaches.

Platform Guide for National Oceans Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalOceansMonth. Share stunning ocean photography, marine life facts, or videos of local beach cleanups.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalOceansMonth. Share breaking news on ocean conservation efforts, policy updates, or calls to action for protecting marine habitats.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalOceansMonth. Join community discussions on ocean health, share educational resources, or promote local conservation events.

Social Media Tips for National Oceans Month

Individuals

Reduce your plastic consumption, participate in a local beach cleanup, or support sustainable seafood choices. Educate yourself on marine ecosystems and advocate for ocean protection.

Creators

Produce engaging content that highlights the beauty and fragility of marine life. Create educational videos on plastic pollution, sustainable fishing, or the impact of climate change on oceans.

Brands

Launch a month-long campaign promoting ocean-friendly products or practices. Partner with a conservation nonprofit for a donation-matching initiative or sponsor a community cleanup event.

Organizations & Brands for National Oceans Month

  1. Oceana

    Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. They work to protect and restore the world's oceans through targeted policy campaigns.

  2. Surfrider Foundation

    Established in 1984 by a group of surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches.

  3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

    Founded in 1961, WWF is one of the world's largest conservation organizations, working in over 100 countries. Their extensive marine conservation programs focus on protecting species, habitats, and sustainable fisheries.

  4. Patagonia

    Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, this outdoor apparel company is renowned for its environmental activism and sustainable business practices. Patagonia frequently donates to and partners with ocean conservation groups.

  5. 4ocean

    Founded in 2017, 4ocean is a public benefit corporation that sells products made from recycled materials and uses the profits to fund ocean and coastline cleanup operations worldwide, having removed millions of pounds of trash.

  6. Bureo

    Founded in 2013, Bureo is a certified B Corp that creates products, including skateboards and sunglasses, from recycled fishing nets collected from coastal communities in Chile. Their 'Net Positiva' program helps prevent ocean plastic.

  7. Monterey Bay Aquarium

    Opened in 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a leading advocate for ocean conservation and education. Their Seafood Watch program provides science-based recommendations to help consumers make sustainable seafood choices.

National Oceans Month Hero

Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997) was a French naval officer, explorer, filmmaker, innovator, and conservationist who dedicated his life to studying the sea. Co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung, he pioneered underwater exploration and brought the wonders of the ocean to millions through his documentaries and books. His work profoundly shaped public awareness of marine ecosystems and the urgent need for their protection.

History of National Oceans Month

Each year, the ocean is celebrated in all its glory in the month of June. It is a beautiful time to come together and celebrate the ecosystem that is essential to the survival of people and marine life. The ocean is home to majestic sea life such as fish, turtles, colorful coral reefs, and unique organisms.

Every year, a proclamation designating June as National Oceans Month is issued. Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 8 as World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day was first declared in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum on June 8, 1992.

National Oceans Month was conceptualized to recognize our connection to the ocean and to raise awareness about the dangers it faces. It is unfortunate that each year approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic is thrown into our oceans. Additionally, it is found that around 4 billion plastic microfibers litter the deep sea. Another challenge that our oceans face is the case of overfishing. This has an adverse impact on the thousands of species that have made the ocean their home. Marine life should not be subject to such harsh conditions and humans should endeavor to protect it.

Thus, in the current times, it has become imperative to take necessary action to treat our ocean’s resources with respect. We also have to keep in mind the future generations who will also need the ocean to live a prosperous life.

National Oceans Month timeline

30,000 Years Ago
Oceanographic Navigational Maps

Polynesian seafarers create the first oceanographic navigational maps, also known as stick charts.

1870s
The Challenger Expedition

The first true scientific research expedition to measure ocean characteristics is undertaken.

20th Century
Sonar Mapping

Sonars are invented to help find submarines and map the ocean.

1968
Ocean Drilling

Oceanographers collect rocks and sediment from the bottom of the ocean and figure out their age through ocean drilling.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Oceans Month

Local businesses can honor National Oceans Month by implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics or sourcing eco-friendly products. Restaurants can highlight sustainable seafood options, while retail stores can feature products from brands committed to ocean conservation, like those using recycled ocean plastic. Consider partnering with a local marine cleanup organization for a sponsored event or offering a donation-matching program for customer contributions.

National Oceans Month FAQs

When is National Oceans Month?

In 2027, National Oceans Month will again be observed throughout June, starting on Tuesday, June 1. This annual observance is a crucial time for global conservation efforts.

How much of Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

Roughly 71% of our planet is covered by oceans, making them the largest habitat on Earth. This immense body of water is home to an estimated 2.2 million species, many of which are yet to be discovered.

What are the biggest threats to ocean health?

The primary challenges facing our oceans today are widespread plastic pollution, the devastating effects of climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, and coastal development. Addressing these requires concerted global efforts and local actions.

How can I help protect the oceans?

Protecting the oceans involves conscious daily choices, such as choosing reusable products, advocating for stronger environmental policies, and donating to reputable marine conservation organizations. Every action, big or small, contributes to healthier seas.

How To Celebrate National Oceans Month

  1. Connect with the ocean

    Go to your nearest ocean and connect with it. Soak in the beauty and calm that it provides. Admire the serene beauty of it. You can make it a day-long activity with your friends and family.

  2. Pledge to preserve the ocean

    Take a pledge to preserve and protect the ocean. You can put your words into action by partaking in an ocean clean-up drive. Support a local organization that works towards keeping the beaches and surrounding areas of the ocean clean, thus ensuring that minimal to no waste enters it.

  3. Watch an ocean documentary or movie

    There are plenty of movies and documentaries available that show you the marvels of ocean life and why we must protect it. This will help you understand the gravity of the situation and enable you to act responsibly.

5 Facts About The Ocean That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Less than 5% explored

    It is difficult to study ocean life, hence the reason only 5% of the planet’s oceans have been explored.

  2. Longest mountain chain in the ocean

    The planet’s longest chain of mountains, the Mid-Ocean Ridge, stretching across a distance of 40,390 miles, is almost entirely beneath the ocean.

  3. Pacific Ocean is wider than the Moon

    At its widest point, the Pacific Ocean from Indonesia to Colombia is wider than the Moon.

  4. Half of the U.S. is below the ocean

    The borders of the U.S. extend 200 nautical miles away from the shore and thus half of the country lies below the ocean.

  5. Three million shipwrecks in the ocean

    According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the oceans have around three million shipwrecks.

Why National Oceans Month Is Important

  1. They provide the oxygen we breathe

    The National Ocean Service states that oceans produce over 60% of the world’s oxygen. This makes them extremely important to the well-being of all individuals.

  2. They are essential to marine life

    There is a vast marine life that lives in our deep blue seas. From fish and turtles to coral reefs, you can find unique life under the water everywhere. Oceans are their homes and National Oceans Month helps us to remember that.

  3. Oceans help to combat climate change

    People often underestimate the oceans’ power to combat climate change. Oceans protect and restore seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves. They also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a higher rate than terrestrial forests. Thus, they are integral to the health of our planet.

National Oceans Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 June 1 Tuesday
2028 June 1 Thursday
2029 June 1 Friday
2030 June 1 Saturday
2031 June 1 Sunday