Do we need yet another day to circle on our calendar...or is there more here than meets the eye?

June 8 has been designated World Oceans Day by the United Nations to place our ocean resources on center stage. The theme for this year's observance is “one ocean, one climate, one future.”

Florida's connection to the ocean is direct and profound. Ocean and coastal resources drive the state's economy and define our quality of life. Most people's livelihoods are heavily dependent on the coastal waters that surround the state. Florida's coastal counties contribute almost 80 percent of the state's economic productivity. In 2006, this totaled $562 billion. (The Florida Oceans and Coastal Council provides a current and in-depth report on Florida’s ocean and coastal economy.)

To generate these economic benefits, the oceans must be healthy. Florida Sea Grant is committed to protecting the health of our coasts and oceans by providing Floridians with the best available science to guide the use and stewardship of our marine resources for future generations. We provide a summary of notable impacts and accomplishments.

To train the next generation of scientists and resource managers, Florida Sea Grant also funds both undergraduates and graduate students through various scholarship and fellowship opportunities, as well as traditional research assistantships. Florida Sea Grant support to student education has produced substantial results.

World Oceans Day is also an opportunity to focus our attention on the importance of our oceans in climate change issues. Browse a summary (1.7 Mb pdf) of what we know regarding climate change and how it is likely to affect Florida.

Our economy and our environment depend upon investing in our oceans and coastal areas. Take time today to invest a part of yourself for the good of our oceans.