The 8th of June marks World Oceans Day, and while we celebrate the ocean every day, today the whole world dives in to honour all things underwater. The theme for 2025 is 'Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us', highlighting the ocean's irreplaceable role in sustaining life on Earth, from producing oxygen and providing food to regulating the climate and inspiring human curiosity. In our bid to recognise this year's World Oceans Day, we're sharing the main threats to the big blue's safety and ways in which we can all pitch in to protect it.
Overfishing
Our growing appetite for fish is causing a huge problem for marine life. Today, a staggering 90% of wild fish stocks are fully exploited or over-exploited - a troubling but unsurprising statistic, given that the average person now consumes almost double the amount of seafood as 50 years ago.
Luckily, there are steps we can all take to prevent large swaths of our seas from becoming lifeless. One of the most impactful solutions is to reduce - or completely cut out - our fish consumption. When you do choose to tuck into seafood, however, opt for sustainably caught fish. This is especially important when travelling, where your control over food sourcing may be limited. That's why we help connect you with hotels and restaurants that prioritise sustainable seafood.
You can also choose to support eco-conscious destinations like Palau, the first country to ban bottom trawling. Palau is also home to the Palau Pledge, an initiative requiring all visitors to sign a declaration promising to act responsibly and protect the environment during their stay.
Plastics
We can't talk about World Oceans Day without talking about the (plastic) elephant in the room: plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution; eight to ten million metric tonnes end up in the ocean each year; and by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh fish in the sea. It's time to ask ourselves: planet or plastic?
Preparation is key when tackling the plastic crisis. For everyday wins, invest in sustainable staples such as a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, canvas shopping bag, metal straw and lunch box for use on the go. While travelling, skip the hotel's mini bottles of shower gel and fill reusable bottles before you leave home. These simple swaps are easy ways to reduce unnecessary plastic waste.
Climate Change
Climate change is the single greatest threat facing our entire planet, and the oceans are on the front lines. They play a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, and while this helps slow atmospheric warming, it comes at a cost: increased carbon dioxide levels cause ocean acidification. This acidification weakens the shells and skeletons of marine species and disrupts entire ecosystems.
We proudly work with amazing eco-conscious hotels, all of which are committed to doing their bit to combat the climate crisis. For example, guests at Fiji's Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can join reef walks with their resident marine biologist, help conduct a Reef Check or help restore coral by planting it at an on-site reef nursery. Supporting wildlife experiences that prioritise education over entertainment doesn't just benefit the planet - it creates far more meaningful memories. A win for you and a win for the world.
