Leading experts in marine science will celebrate World Oceans Day next week at an event designed to shed light on ocean challenges and highlight inspiring success stories.

World Oceans Day on Thursday 8 June brings together the Western Australian community to recognise the biodiversity of our marine environment and ignite a collective commitment to preserve our vast blue backyard for generations to come.

Developed and supported by The Jock Clough Marine Foundation, the WA World Ocean Day event at Gage Roads will feature ocean leaders, experts and community voices to educate and spark conversations to drive positive change.

Planet Ocean: tides are changing is the theme for World Oceans Day 2023 and shark biologist and wildlife science communicator Dr Charlotte Birkmanis, from UWA’s Oceans Graduate School, said it was important to highlight that change.

“The ocean produces at least 50 per cent of our oxygen, houses most of Earth’s biodiversity and is the main source of protein for over a billion people on the planet,” Dr Birkmanis said.

“On the day we’ll be sharing some ocean optimism and ways you can help turn the tide and make every day world ocean day.”

Dr Birkmanis joins UWA Oceans Institute panel members Dr Julia Reisser, Dr Mark Meekan and PhD researcher Lincoln Hood who will cover two main themes: Some Ocean Challenges — Importance of marine parks and marine sanctuary areas; and The Oceans Moment — Some good news stories.

UWA Oceans Institute Director Christophe Gaudin said the health of our oceans was fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities and acknowledged the support of The Jock Clough Marine Foundation to create a message of hope as we faced critical challenges.

 At the free event, to be held on Thursday 8 June from 4pm to 8pm at Gage Roads Brewery in Fremantle, attendees will be able to engage with like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to ocean conservation. It will feature trade stalls, live music and an exclusive World Ocean Day beer.