National Oceans Day

A child building a sandcastle on a sunny beach, wearing a colorful swimsuit, surrounded by seashells and ocean waves.. — National oceans day illustration

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Today, we're diving into the deep blue for National Oceans Day, a salty celebration of our vast and mysterious bodies of water.

When is Oceans Day?

It's national oceans day on the 10th June.

The Internet History of National Oceans Day

Did you know that National Oceans Day was established to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and promote their conservation? It all started way back in 2008 when the United Nations designated June 8th as World Oceans Day. The internet, being the fascinating place that it is, caught on to this fantastic celebration of the marine wonders, and soon enough, the idea of a National Oceans Day was born.

People from all over the world wanted to show their love for the sea, so they took to social media to share breathtaking photos of oceanic landscapes, cute sea creatures, and inspiring quotes about the importance of taking care of our aquatic friends. Since then, National Oceans Day has become a global online movement, with ocean enthusiasts sharing their passion and spreading awareness about the significance of oceans to our planet.

Did You Know?

The heart of the ocean doesn't just belong in movies—there's a real Heart Reef located in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! This naturally formed coral reef takes the shape of a heart and is a top spot for romantic snorkeling trips. So, if you're searching for a breathtaking destination to dazzle your loved one, consider taking them to the heart of the ocean!

History behind the term 'Oceans'

2500 BCE

The Discovery of Water Bodies

The term 'oceans' originates from the ancient civilizations that began exploring and mapping the world around them. Around 2500 BCE, early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley discovered large bodies of water that intrigued and fascinated them.

700 BCE

The Greek Classification

In 700 BCE, the ancient Greeks made significant contributions to the understanding of oceans. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras was among the first to classify bodies of water as 'oceans.' They referred to the Atlantic Ocean as the 'Okeanos,' which meant the great river that encircled the Earth.

1400s

European Exploration

During the Age of Exploration in the 1400s, European sailors set out to discover new trade routes, resulting in extensive sea voyages. This period marked a new era of ocean exploration and understanding as Europeans discovered the vastness of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

1513

The Naming of the Pacific

In 1513, explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to lay eyes on the Pacific Ocean. He named it the 'Mar del Sur,' which translates to 'South Sea.' The name eventually changed to 'Pacific,' referring to its peaceful nature compared to the stormy Atlantic Ocean.

1872

Challenger Expedition

The year 1872 marked a significant milestone in the study of oceans with the Challenger Expedition, a scientific voyage that aimed to explore the deep sea. This expedition produced valuable insights into oceanography, including the discovery of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans.

1977

Discovery of Hydrothermal Vents

In 1977, scientists on the research vessel Alvin discovered hydrothermal vents deep below the ocean's surface. These vents, located along mid-ocean ridges, revealed a unique ecosystem thriving in extreme conditions. The discovery shed new light on the possibilities of life in previously unknown parts of the oceans.