June is WORLD Oceans Month

The ocean is a special place that’s worth protecting and, in the face of climate change and unprecedented rollbacks of environmental protections, the ocean needs a voice now more than ever. 

At the American Littoral Society and Healthy Ocean Coalition (HOC) we believe that we’re stronger and more influential together, as an inclusive community that loves the ocean. That is why we're dedicating the month of June to help amplify the educational and advocacy initiatives.

Throughout the month the Littoral Society and HOC will be drawing attention to ocean issues and hosting online events or activities that will be brought to your attention via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. So keep your eye out for additional ways to participate.

Why June? We believe every month is ocean month, but this month hosts World Oceans Day on June 8 and Capitol Hill Ocean Week (June 8-12), during which advocates for ocean policy bring their concerns directly to lawmakers in Washington, DC. 

This year, anyone can join #CHOW from anywhere in the world through free livestreaming of all sessions on June 9. http://ow.ly/DhQK50zMVQp

Following are some off the highlights for this month:

Week 1: 30x30 Campaign to Save Nature
The Healthy Oceans Coalition, along with advocates around the world, scientists, global leaders, and environmental organizations are sending out a rallying cry of support for the 30x30 campaign. This campaign’s goal is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and landmass by the year 2030. If this is achieved, we can avoid a biodiversity crisis and keep our planet and communities healthy.

You can support the campaign by contacting your members of Congress to ask that they support a resolution introduced in the House of Representatives and US Senate by Rep. Deb Haaland and Sen. Tom Udall. The resolution urges Congress to strongly protect at least 30% of lands and 30% of ocean areas by 2030. In addition, you can also sign our petition urging Congress to pass the resolution.

On June 3 at 5 p.m., the American Littoral Society and Upstream Alliance will also be hosting a panel discussion on horseshoe crabs and red knot, which will feature the Society's Quinn Whitesall will be one of the panelists. Click Here for Directions to Connect to the free Zoom webinar.

Week 2: Virtual Celebrations
Start the week by joining in a virtual celebration of World Oceans Day. There are events and activities listed on the site from places all over the world. Then take part in CHOW by signing up for the Livestream.

Also, on Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m. the Littoral Society’s Ocean Policy Program Director Sarah Winter Whelan will talk with other ocean champions about how you can speak up for the ocean. Following the talk there will be time for a Q&A. The webinar is free, although donations are welcome. Click the links to Register on Zoom or Watch on Facebook Live.

Week 3: Wonderful Wildlife!
During this week we will pay homage to the wonderful wildlife that call our watery world home. Ocean life produces oxygen,sustains large populations of the planet, sequesters carbon, and can look dang cute, silly, or scary as heck.

As part of that we will be focusing attention on efforts to save the North Atlantic Right Whale. You can learn more by clicking this link.

You can also sign this petition and asking your members of Congress to protect vulnerable ocean life by co-sponsoring the PAW and FIN Conservation Act, while also opposing any legislation that would weaken the Endangered Species Act.

Then on Saturday, June 20 at 9 p.m. you can participate in a virtual horseshoe crab tagging event with the American Littoral Society. Click to Register for the free Facebook Live event. Learn more about our crab tagging program and other efforts to protect these living fossils at: https://www.littoralsociety.org/horseshoe-crabs.html.

Week 4: Movement Building and a Week of Action
During this final week, the Littoral Society and HOC will be urging everyone to do at least one thing, no matter how big or small, to help the ocean.

One option would be to become a Champion of the Coast! The American Littoral Society’s growing list of Coastal Champions act at the local level and lead the way on conservation of the ocean and coasts by supporting regional ocean planning to protect special marine places, opposing new offshore oil and gas drilling, and banning intentional balloon releases that pollute our beaches and waters. Learn more at: https://www.littoralsociety.org/champions-of-the-coast.html