Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 5, 2015

Recognizing the Importance of Our Oceans

World Oceans Day Promotes Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet

World Oceans Day, June 8, is an annual celebration that encourages people around the world to recognize the significance of the ocean from a cultural, economic and resource standpoint and as an important habitat for an abundance of marine life. This year�s theme is Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet and it encourages people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and around the globe to take time to reflect on what our oceans mean to them.

�As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the ocean and the opportunities it provides have always been at the heart of our economy and our culture. World Oceans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the importance of the world�s oceans and their protection for the continued benefit of future generations.�
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

World Oceans Day is being celebrated at events throughout the province from June 5 to 8. Representatives of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will join with other partners to celebrate World Oceans Day at the Marine Institute tomorrow (Saturday, June 6) between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This no-cost event is educational and family-oriented featuring more than 25 interactive displays from a list of World Oceans Day partners.

�Our government is proud to support World Oceans Day and I encourage residents to celebrate by attending events being held throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- Minister Granter

More information about World Oceans Days events throughout Newfoundland and Labrador can be found by visiting: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/education/wod.html.

QUICK FACTS

• World Oceans Day, June 8, first came into being at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when Canadian representatives proposed the concept.
• This year�s World Oceans Day theme is Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet and is being celebrated at events throughout the province from June 5 to 8. More information can be found at: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/education/wod.html
• The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will join with other partners to celebrate at the Marine Institute�s Ridge Road Campus on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• This year�s event was organized by the World Oceans Day event committee which includes representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; World Wildlife Fund; Fish, Food and Allied Workers; Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society; and the Marine Institute.

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 05                              11:40 a.m.