June 8th is World Ocean Day!
We are so lucky here in the Greenhavens area, having the sea on our doorstep. Watching and hearing the roar of the waves can be so exhilarating. Not only do we enjoy it, but apparently there are real health benefits. Firstly the sound of the waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a relaxed state. Also sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that help us absorb oxygen to feel more alert, and balance levels of seratonin which is linked to positive mood.
Since 2002, The Ocean Project has coordinated World Oceans Day on June 8. With about 2,000 global partners, they celebrate the ocean’s beauty and importance. The majority of oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean.
Our friends at Plastic Free Seaford have been encouraging all their friends to join in with the “Wear Blue for World Ocean’s day” event. Why not volunteer to help with their next beach clean which is on 16 June at 10am from Tidemills down to Newhaven Pier?
Also on World Ocean Day there is also a beach clean hosted by Brighton Dolphin Project who work directly with local communities to ensure marine wildlife is protected and valued throughout the Sussex coast.
“Join us for a special beach clean to celebrate World Oceans Day on Saturday 8th June, from 11am to 2pm on Brighton beach next to the Palace Pier, to play our part in tackling rising levels of plastic on Brighton beach, and celebrate the achievements of World Cetacean Alliance.
We will be joined by our friends Marine Conservation Society, Sussex Wildlife Trust, The Deans Beach & Environment Volunteers, Plastic Oceans UK, and Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen to run some fun activities including an art installation, face painting, games for kids, and a guided tour of Brighton Beach.”
In the east of the county, Sussex Wildlife Trust have a guided walk at Rye Harbour at 10am. This 2 mile circular walk looks for different terns which should be nesting. The terns rely on a healthy ocean for small fish in Rye Bay, and at their wintering grounds in West Africa.
Sussex Wildlife Trust recently announced a huge landmark in UK marine conservation. Defra designated 39 new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the waters around England – three of which are in our local Sussex seas.
The three new MCZs, Selsey Bill & The Hounds, Beachy Head East and Inner Bank, cover a variety of habitats and species. You can read more about this here.
The Shipwreck Museum in Hastings also hosts a Plastic Oceans Art exhibition and talk this Saturday.
So what are you doing to celebrate our oceans today?
An early morning swim perhaps? Sailing, surfing, kayaking, kitesurfing?
Maybe just enjoying a sit down on the beach to listen to the waves? Or a stroll to the Shoal. Hiring one of the lovely new beach huts on Seaford beach to make a day of it? A quick 5k park run or getting the wind through your hair with Cycling without Age?
Are you and your family getting involved? Do you have children who have been learning about the oceans. Do let us know! We would love to hear all about it!
Judy
