June 2019

The 8th of June saw conservationists, youth activists, divers, ocean lovers, and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate World Ocean’s Day.

If you turn on the news these days there are more and more headlines about how the natural world is under threat from human activity. The oceans bear a massive brunt of this destruction; plastic waste, rising sea temperatures, habitat destruction, ocean acidification, and most significantly, over-fishing. World Ocean’s Day provides a great opportunity to shine a light on these threats and to discuss ways we can work to alleviate them. Here is how some of our teams around the world celebrated this day.

MALDIVES - BAA ATOLL

On World Ocean’s Day this year, we teamed up with Marine Savers and the staff at Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru to clean up the beach on a neighbouring local island. Much of the plastic waste that washes up on the shore does not actually originate from the Maldives and it just goes to show how global and connected these threats are.

MEXICO CARIBBEAN

During the ‘Environment In Isla Mujeres’ fair many other local non-profits and organizations got together to raise awareness about biodiversity and the importance of taking care of the natural resources within the Island. We played "Pin the tail on the Manta" with the kids which caused quite an excited stir!!

MALDIVES - LHAVIYANI ATOLL

The Hurawalhi World Ocean’s Day celebrations were a huge success! Whilst our guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant we discussed the importance of our oceans, some of the challenges they are facing, and how we can protect them. We even had a very special appearance by a Hawksbill turtle which stopped by and upstaged our marine biologists.

THAILAND

About as far removed from the ocean as you can get, I am currently travelling through the rolling hills of northern Thailand. Although I am desperate to get back in the water with my flappy friends, I am conscious that what I do here many miles away from the nearest mantas, can still have an impact on mantas and their habitat. Here are a few simple things I did on World Ocean’s Day to lessen my impact.

I carry my own wooden chopsticks and reusable coffee mug and metal straw with me when I’m out and about so I don’t use single use chopsticks wrapped in plastic, single use cups, or straws.
Refill my water bottle at stations. It’s also a 10th of the price of a new bottle!
I try to buy local. Pick fruits and vegetables that are in season and haven’t been flown half way around the world.
I also try to limit the amount of meat in my diet, and I don’t eat seafood. Why anyone would eat seafood so far from the sea is beyond me!

It is important to remember though, that our actions and choices can impact the oceans every day of the year. Head over to our Eat Sustainably page to learn more about how you can help to reduce the greatest threat to the oceans.With the support of Cyclone Members, the Manta Trust continues to work with local communities, tourism operators, and the Maldives government to find tangible solutions to the issue of tourism development. If you have any plans this year to travel and see manta rays, don’t forget to check out How to Swim with Manta Rays. Here you’ll find clear guidelines on how divers and snorkelers should behave in the water to ensure their presence minimises disturbance to any encountered manta rays. Plus, tourism operators can download free resources to help run responsible manta trips and can register to be listed as a responsible operator.