Mother Ocean Day

Water is essential for human life. In fact, it is essential to all life-forms known to mankind in general, as no known species could exist without it.

Although marine biologists aren't sure how many types of organisms inhabit our planet's five oceans, it's estimated that about a quarter of all species on Earth do. Not to mention the importance of the oceans to our civilization for thousands of years, traversing their waters is one of the bravest feats man can achieve one of feats often lead to astonishing discoveries and advance our general understanding of the planet.

For all these reasons and many more, Mother Ocean Day is an all-too-old celebration of our oceans in all their majesty and danger.

History of Mother Ocean Day

The creator and presenter of the day was the South Florida Kayak Club, which is a relatively new celebration, and was first introduced in 2013. Later, the city of Miami officially declared it. The day was celebrated for wondering about the beauty of the ocean, and quite a surprise to the residents of Florida who came up with the idea of celebrating the day.

Why is the ocean so important?

The ocean isn't quite there for us to swim in and enjoy. It is vital to the survival of our plants, and it has been taken for granted for far too long! There are five oceans that make up our planet - the Antarctic or Southern Ocean, as well as the Arctic, Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Did you know that these five oceans cover about 70% of the Earth? Furthermore, did you know that the ocean is responsible for producing more than half of the world's oxygen? If that's not enough, it also absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide when compared to our atmosphere.

The ocean is also responsible for helping to regulate Earth's climate, with its vast coverage able to transport heat from the equator to the South and North poles. This will adjust for weather patterns as well as climate. And, of course, we can't help but talk about the ocean without talking about the life that calls it home! This includes everything from sea turtles in the Pacific to manatees in the Atlantic.

Fascinating facts about our oceans

• We still know only a fraction of the marine species in our oceans. There are currently 240,470 species accepted in accordance with the World Register of Marine Species. However, it is believed that these are only a very small fraction of the species that exist.
• There are more historical artifacts under the ocean than in museums around the world. There are actually about 1,000 shipwrecks in the Florida Keys alone! There have been a number of underwater museums established over the years. This includes the Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue sunken in the Mediterranean.
• The longest mountain chain lies almost entirely below the ocean. This is known as the Mid-Ocean Ridge. It stretches over a distance of 65,000 km. The Mid-Ocean Ridge is believed to be less explored than the surface of Mars or Venus.
• Less than five percent of the planet's oceans have been explored. Yes, we know more and more about our oceans, but there's still a lot left unexplored.
• Did you know that most of life on Earth is underwater? It may not come as a shock when you consider the fact that a lot of the Earth's surface is underwater. However, it's still hard to believe that 94% of our living species exist in the ocean!

How to celebrate Mother Ocean Day

There are so many things people can do on Mother Ocean Day, the important thing is to pay tribute to this amazing power of nature and enjoy what it has to offer to the fullest. Soaking in the waves, whether on a boat or a surfboard, is a way to enjoy the day. Snorkeling and diving are both unforgettable ways to better understand the ocean by seeing some of the plants, fish, and other creatures that live in it. If you like being on dry land, a picnic on the beach enjoying the soothing sound of the ocean waves could be the perfect way to enjoy the ocean. Just remember to clean up afterwards! And for those looking to celebrate the day in the comfort of their own home, eating a meal made with ocean foods, such as fish and shellfish, can be a treat.

For example, have you ever tried langoustines? Langoustines are a great alternative to lobster, as they are much cheaper, but have a similar taste, some chefs even find better than lobster because of its subtle sweetness. They are also surprisingly easy to prepare all you really need is some salt water to boil a little bit and some garlic butter to coat them. If you love your barbecue, langoustines can also be grilled and then dipped in a simple dijon mustard sauce. Originally, langoustines were eaten in Europe, but recently they've also become popular in North America, so if you've never tried them, this day is the perfect time!

However, regardless of whether it's Mother Ocean Day or not, we must always respect the oceans and the beaches that lead into them by never contaminating them in any way, so that the Future systems can enjoy them as much as we do today.