Today is June 8th, which means it’s officially World Oceans Day. For those not familiar with World Oceans Day don’t feel bad because this is a very new special day. The idea of celebrating World Oceans Day was “first proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro,” according to The Ocean Project’s website. And since then it has been unofficially recognized every year, but in December 2008 the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution officially recognizing World Oceans Day.

Apparently this wasn’t an easy task and required thousands of signatures on petitions from people across the globe. But all that hard work paid off and World Oceans Day was “officially” celebrated for the first time last year.

Every year there’s a theme and this year it’s “Oceans of Life.” Recognizing the amazing bounty and diversity of life within our oceans. Take time today to celebrate your ocean favorites. If you love whales and dolphins as much as I do, then take time to call the White House today (202) 456-1111 and tell President Obama to “Stop the proposal to suspend the ban on commercial whaling!”

Other great ways to help protect and celebrate ocean life today include going to an ocean day event, avoiding seafood for meals and picking up any trash you see on the street and sidewalk. The oceans play an essential role in our lives everyday so take time to give back and say thanks.