4. Support organisations working to protect the oceans

Consider lending your support to an organisation dedicated to protecting the oceans, or even volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. You can also help to influence change in your own community by researching the ocean policies of public officials before you vote, or contacting your local MP to let them know you support ocean conservation. If you’re London-based, join Greenpeace’s ’human wave’ from Westminster Bridge to the Foreign Office, or join Ocean Talks on 12th June at the Royal Geographical Society to hear some of the world’s leading environmental activists and marine experts to discuss the problems facing the world’s oceans.

5. Embrace a greener future

Earlier in March, a groundbreaking study from the University of Rutgers showed that rising ocean temperatures are significantly shrinking fish populations. And even though our blue planet does a miraculous job of storing 93% of the world’s carbon dioxide in algae, vegetation, and coral under the sea, it’s struggling to cope with rising levels of CO2. That means that making a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint is more vital than ever. If we all made an effort to use public transport, cut back on our meat intake, recycle carefully and invest in energy efficient household devices, we could make a huge difference to maintaining the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.

World Oceans Day: 5 simple ways to get involved