Every June 8, of the year is marked as World Ocean Day in this year’s tagged: “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, South Africa-Ms Barbara Creecy led the World Oceans Day 2023 commemoration aboard the SA Agulhas II on this day Thursday, 8 June 2023, in Cape Town.

The theme of World Oceans Day 2023 is “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”.  It is a reminder that despite the fact that the oceans cover most of the Earth, little attention is given to the unprecedented challenges being faced the seas on which humans rely for a variety of resources, and that it is the collective responsibility of all to protect the ocean.

As part of the World Oceans Day celebrations and awareness raising efforts, the Department is hosting an Open Day for learners today and tomorrow (8 & 9 June 2023), where they will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of the oceans and the role they play in their daily lives. The Open Days take place on board the SA Agulhas II which is docked at Cape Town harbour.  The public will have an opportunity to tour the SA Agulhas II on 10 and 11 June 2023, where they will learn more about the work being done by South Africa’s polar and research vessel to monitor, research and protect the oceans and marine life.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hosting 1000 learners on 8 and 9 June, and 4000 members of the public that have booked free tickets to visit the polar research vessel on the weekend of 10 and 11 June.

The Minister will also use this opportunity to brief media on the highlights of her Budget Vote speech that she will deliver to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) shortly after the World Oceans Day commemoration on the same day.

The World Oceans Day Open Day initiative forms part of the department’s Environment Month activities hosted during June each year.