World Ocean Day: What It Is and Why It Matters

Every year on June 8th, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Ocean Day (WOD)—a powerful reminder of the vital role our oceans play in everyday life. Covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean produces at least half of the planet’s oxygen, absorbs massive amounts of carbon dioxide, and supports an extraordinary variety of fish and other marine life. For boaters, the ocean is not just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a legacy worth protecting.

What is World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, but it launched in 2002 as a global movement to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and to inspire people to act in protecting it. Each year, communities, businesses, schools, and individuals provide resources and host cleanups, educational events, and conservation initiatives centered around sustainable practices and marine conservation.

The theme for 2025 is “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate”, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and preserve marine ecosystems through collective global action.

Why World Ocean Day Matters to Freedom Boat Club?

At Freedom Boat Club, we believe that boating and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. With more than 400+ locations across the globe and thousands of members enjoying time on the water, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to protect the waterways that we've come to love.

Here’s how we support clean boating practices and encourage our members to make a difference:

Eco-Friendly Boating Tips: From avoiding fuel spills to reducing wake in sensitive areas, our training includes education on boating responsibly that can contribute to minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Fleet Management: We regularly maintain and upgrade our boats, which can help to ensure fuel efficiency.

Partnerships and Education: Through supporting education programs like Blue Planet and supporting local clean-ups, we help promote sustainability with our communities.

The Law of the Sea

The Law of the Sea is a body of international law that governs how nations use the world’s oceans. Established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it defines maritime zones like territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and outlines rights and responsibilities related to navigation, fishing, environmental protection, and marine resource management. For boaters, understanding the Law of the Sea underscores the importance of respecting national boundaries, protected marine areas, and sustainable practices while navigating international and coastal waters. It plays a crucial role in promoting ocean stewardship, safe navigation, and global cooperation—values that resonate deeply with Freedom Boat Club’s commitment to responsible boating and marine conservation.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

Sustainable fishing practices are essential to maintain healthy fish populations and protect the overall balance of marine ecosystems. These practices aim to prevent overfishing, reduce bycatch (unintentional catch of non-target species), and support long-term ocean biodiversity. Whether you're casting a line from the back of a boat or enjoying a fresh catch at a local marina, being mindful of regulations like size limits, seasonal closures, and catch-and-release guidelines helps preserve fish stocks for future generations. At Freedom Boat Club, we encourage all anglers—seasoned or new—to fish responsibly, respect local wildlife, and support conservation efforts that keep our waterways thriving for everyone who loves life on the water.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you're a seasoned captain or a new boater just discovering the joys of the water, there are simple, impactful ways you can support World Ocean Day:

Practice Leave-No-Trace Boating: Minimize pollution and show respect to wildlife by always packing up your trash and avoiding single-use plastics whenever possible.

Join a Local Waterway Cleanup: Many coastal communities host events around June 8. Find one near you or organize your own!

Share Your Boating Story: Use your voice to raise awareness. Post your ocean adventures on social media with hashtags like #WorldOceanDay, #BoatingResponsibly, or #ProtectOurOceans.

Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Use biodegradable soaps and reef-safe sunscreens whenever possible.

Together, Let's Protect Our Ocean Waters

Freedom Boat Club members understand the true value of the ocean—not just for recreation, but for its role in sustaining life on Earth. This World Ocean Day, let’s all do our part to live and boat more sustainably, support marine conservation, and keep our waterways clean and healthy for generations to come. Because when you love the sea, protecting it is just part of the adventure.