Blog

Published: 09 June 2014

By Bill Mott

World Oceans Day provides a unique opportunity once a year to honor our world’s ocean that connects us all, and this weekend you can join with people in communities around the world to mark the day in a special way. After all, no matter where we live­­—from California to Kansas to the Carolinas, and from Australia to Austria to Argentina­­­­—we all depend on a healthy ocean for our survival and each one of us can contribute to resolving the issues facing our ocean, including ocean acidification, plastics pollution, and overfishing.

On and around June 8, people around the globe will come together to celebrate this year’s World Oceans Day theme: “Together we have the power to protect the ocean.” This growing global event serves as a rallying point for raising awareness and promoting personal and community action in fun and positive ways, leading to a more aware, engaged, and sustainable society, and a healthier ocean. Hundreds of events are planned this year to help individuals be part of the solution for our ocean by supporting clean energy choices, trash-free coasts and beaches, sustainable seafood, and more.

A sea turtle swims up from the depths. (Photograph by Matt Weiss)
A sea turtle swims up from the depths. (Photograph by Matt Weiss)
The concept for a “World Ocean Day” was first proposed in 1992 by the government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. When The Ocean Project adopted this event in 2002, there were no events in the U.S. and very few worldwide. We envision this event growing as a global platform to capture people’s imaginations with engaging experiences and to tap into the innovativeness of people around the world to help collaboratively solve the problems facing our ocean and society.

Beyond creating direct reach and impact from World Oceans Day events themselves, one of The Ocean Project’s goals in promoting and coordinating this event has been to create interest in ocean conservation around the world. And by generating interest every June, participating organizations can help cultivate those connections for deeper conservation engagement 365 days a year.

Officially recognized by the United Nations in late 2008, each year an increasing number of countries and organizations mark World Oceans Day on June 8th. Last year, approximately 600 events were held in 70 countries, and we aim to double the number of events in 2014 by encouraging aquariums, zoos, museums, youth groups, conservation organizations, universities, schools, state and federal agencies, sailors, surf clubs, civic organizations, bloggers, and businesses to participate in different ways. World Oceans Day also provides opportunities to build synergies with media and decision-makers, which helps bring more positive attention to the ocean every year.

WearBlueClick here to get involved and learn more about World Oceans Day!

Bill Mott is the director of The Ocean Project, which inspires action to protect our ocean. Through the world’s most extensive network of aquariums, zoos, science museums, youth groups, and other organizations, we advance ocean and climate conservation in collaborative and innovative ways. The Ocean Project supports our 2,000+ partner organizations in 75 countries with cutting-edge communications research, tools, and resources to effectively engage with their millions of visitors and the public for conservation impact. Since 2002, The Ocean Project has coordinated World Oceans Day. Learn more at TheOceanProject.org and WorldOceansDay.org.

Published: 09 June 2014

"Not to sound too deep or weird, but I think that the times when you really appreciate surfing are the times you’re really sort of becoming one with nature. Surfing’s as raw of a sport as it gets."
-Kelly Slater

Published: 06 June 2014

Great morning for a surf lesson at Burleigh Heads today; here is one of our Godfathers of the Ocean coaches Owen with one stoked customer! Charlie

Published: 16 May 2014

Gold Coast forecast for the weekend surfers.

The swell is coming in from the ESE up to 2 to 4ft over the weekend.
With a15 to 20 knot ESE wind forecast throughout the day, the best conditions will be in the morning with a possible cross to offshore wind for those keen to crack the dawn patrol.

Find a fun little sand bar along the beach breaks early, or on one of the southerly-protected point breaks of Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta & D’Bah for the more experienced.

I will be coaching this weekend for anyone wanting to re-ignite their surfing or just to give it a first time go, come and see me at www.godfathersoftheocean.com or phone 0402911146 to book in.

Published: 08 May 2014

Godfathers of the Ocean philanthropic efforts are back!
We will keep you updated with our ventures and causes for humanity, animals and the environment. A brief recap of our history:
Godfathers of the Ocean have always been great supporters and generous in helping charities worldwide. Whilst we have travelled the globe during Munga's rewarding surfing career, we soon discovered the poverty and deprived conditions of the many people in remote locations around the world.
We were inspired to take this involvement one step further by bringing the Worlds top professional men and women surfers together to form the ‘Godfathers Foundation’. Munga with his wife Krista Barry, a former Australian Swimming representative who too has brought together the patronage from many of World’s top Swimmers and Ironmen in supporting this organisation.
Uniting the water world champions together was an integral part to structuring the foundations for the Godfathers of the Ocean to be capable of achieving their primary goal in raising awareness and funds for various charities worldwide.
In the past 15 years, Godfathers of the Ocean has not only raised over $100,000 towards various charities without the aid from Government assistance or grants, they have brought global attention to many charities and causes. Godfathers’ solely run by support by their sporting identities, the surfing/ surf lifesaving, and swimming communities.
Godfathers of the Ocean will endeavor to grow and flourish in the future to achieve their objectives, and it is with the additional support from sponsors, celebrities, family, and friends that will eventuate into an international contribution around the world.
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Image: Mick Fanning; Nathan Hedge; Joel Parkinson and Taj burrows, sign autographs for the Godfathers of the Ocean Celebrity Auction 2003