World Ocean Day

World Oceans Day is observed every year on June 8. This date is consistent across all UN member states and has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 2008. It’s an annual international observance dedicated to ocean protection, awareness, and sustainable stewardship. 

If you're not involved in conservation efforts around our oceans, one way to celebrate World Ocean Day is with a collection of free educational resources about Earth’s oceans from The Open University's Science courses and qualifications.

The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of our planet. Discover the wonders of our oceans - on Earth and beyond. From interactive games like Ocean Explorer to free courses and thought-provoking articles (including oceans in space!), this collection brings together a wealth of learning to inspire curiosity and care for our marine world.

New Jersey has several ways to celebrate World Oceans Day and oceans in general throughout the year. 

• New Jersey World Ocean Day Beach Cleanup — Wildwood Crest
  Date: June 6, 2026  11am (held the weekend before World Oceans Day)
  Rambler Road Beach, E Heather Road & The Beach, Wildwood Crest, NJ
  Volunteers remove debris, receive orientation, and may get a free event t‑shirt if registered early. All ages welcome; minors need an adult.
• Clean Ocean Action holds Statewide Beach Sweeps (related coastal stewardship). While not tied specifically to June 8, Clean Ocean Action runs one of the largest coastal cleanup programs in the state. Their next major event is October 24, 2026. 9:00 AM–12:30 PM at 80+ beaches across New Jersey. This long‑running cleanup effort removes millions of debris items; volunteers of all ages welcome.