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Celebrating UN World Oceans Day 2024: The Marine Institute Emphasises the Importance of Ocean Conservation

7th June 2024
“Our oceans are a resource that we must manage and protect - they support diverse ecosystems, are a source of food, influence our climate and weather, and offer countless benefits to our health and wellbeing,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute
“Our oceans are a resource that we must manage and protect - they support diverse ecosystems, are a source of food, influence our climate and weather, and offer countless benefits to our health and wellbeing,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute Credit: Afloat

The Marine Institute is proud highlighting the importance of the ocean surrounding our shores by celebrating UN World Oceans Day on Saturday, 8th June 2024.

The United Nations World Oceans Day takes places on 8th June each year, and raises awareness of the major role the oceans play in our everyday lives, and our individual and collective duty to use ocean resources sustainably.

“Our oceans are a resource that we must manage and protect - they support diverse ecosystems, are a source of food, influence our climate and weather, and offer countless benefits to our health and wellbeing,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute. “Ireland’s ocean economy employs about 33,500 people, helping to sustain coastal communities and marine and maritime industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, technology, and tourism.”

Ireland’s ocean economy employs about 33,500 people, helping to sustain coastal communities and marine and maritime industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, technology, and tourismIreland’s ocean economy employs about 33,500 people, helping to sustain coastal communities and marine and maritime industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, ports and shipping, technology, and tourism

Dr Officer added, “Ireland’s marine resources are central to many of the complex challenges facing society, including achieving food and energy security and adapting to climate change. At the Marine Institute, we provide the essential ocean science and knowledge needed to navigate these challenges, develop new opportunities, and protect Ireland’s vital marine resources.”

The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the state’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders.

The theme for UN World Oceans Day 2024 is ‘Awaken New Depths’ which aims to build widespread appreciation for the ocean and awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration, and commitment for the oceans and all they sustain.

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Marine Science Perhaps it is the work of the Irish research vessel RV Celtic Explorer out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of marine research, development and sustainable management, through which Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. From Wavebob Ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration these pages document the work of Irish marine science and how Irish scientists have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.

 

At A Glance – Ocean Facts

  • 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by the ocean
  • The ocean is responsible for the water cycle, which affects our weather
  • The ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity
  • The real map of Ireland has a seabed territory ten times the size of its land area
  • The ocean is the support system of our planet.
  • Over half of the oxygen we breathe was produced in the ocean
  • The global market for seaweed is valued at approximately €5.4 billion
  • · Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems in the world — at 230 million years
  • 1.9 million people live within 5km of the coast in Ireland
  • Ocean waters hold nearly 20 million tons of gold. If we could mine all of the gold from the ocean, we would have enough to give every person on earth 9lbs of the precious metal!
  • Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world – Ireland is ranked 7th largest aquaculture producer in the EU
  • The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world, covering 20% of the earth’s surface. Out of all the oceans, the Atlantic Ocean is the saltiest
  • The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world. It’s bigger than all the continents put together
  • Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive fishing grounds in Europe, with Irish commercial fish landings worth around €200 million annually
  • 97% of the earth’s water is in the ocean
  • The ocean provides the greatest amount of the world’s protein consumed by humans
  • Plastic affects 700 species in the oceans from plankton to whales.
  • Only 10% of the oceans have been explored.
  • 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, equal to dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.
  • 12 humans have walked on the moon but only 3 humans have been to the deepest part of the ocean.

(Ref: Marine Institute)

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