The United Nations has designated 8 June as World Oceans Day to remind us of the oceans’ major role in everyday life.

It’s time to take action

Every day our environment is being threatened by ocean pollution. There is so much trash in our waters that marine life is suffering at an alarming rate. Plastic has contaminated every last corner of the world’s seas with huge floating garbage patches piling up in the middle of the oceans, as in the case of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It’s heartbreaking to hear about a pregnant whale that died with 50 pounds of plastic in her stomach, or a baby dolphin found dead full of plastic waste. Millions of people depend on the seas and rivers for food, transportation and trade. Our negative impact on the oceans is evident and we must take action now to clean them up.

Our oceans are our lifeline

The oceans cover over 70 per cent of the planet. Marine life has been a major source of oxygen production for all beings on Earth. When dolphins and whales return to the surface to breathe, they fertilise tiny marine plants called phytoplankton. Each year, these microorganisms absorb four times more carbon dioxide than the Amazon rainforest and generate up to 85 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. By protecting these animals from plastic pollution we also protect the planet. When animals such as whales and dolphins perish, the oceans die. And if the oceans die, so do we. Can you imagine what the future will look like if we don’t take action now?

What can we do to protect marine life?

Join ASCOA’s Beach Clean-up on June 8 along the Ngeme-Batoke coastal area.

Through its clean-up and awareness educational campaign ASCOA is committed to changing the behaviours of local communities who contribute significantly to plastic pollution. We’re joining Ocean Conservancy and the international community to commemorate World Oceans Day 2021. Our project will take place along the Ngeme-Batoke’s 3 km coastline. The area includes breathtaking black sand beaches and mangrove forests.

However, ASCOA cannot do this without the support from local volunteers. We need your help!