Today, the 8^th of June, is World Ocean Day. A day to celebrate and take action for our planet’s one ocean, one climate, one future – together.

There are many ways that we can make a difference for future generations and no effort is too small. I feel really hopeful connecting with others in Australia and around the world who have the same way of thinking and come up with some practical ways we can all be involved.

One of those people is a lady by the name of Aiva whose blog ‘Our Crossings’, I follow.

Aiva and her family live in Ireland and they are very inspirational in walking the talk. Take a look at her blog for celebrating World Oceans Day here.

For others interested in learning more about Australia and ways we can help our oceans, I have a few recommendations.

To Read:

I am currently reading the autobiography of Valerie Taylor, Australia’s ‘Queen of the Ocean’ and pioneering marine conservationist, photographer and shark expert.

From her early days of competitive spearfishing through to marine research and filmmaking, including for the smash hit movie Jaws, Valerie and her husband Ron, both went on to research and promote marine environment conservation.

What I love about Valerie Taylor’s story is that she is one who has shown that ‘when we know better, we should do better’. A motto that I think is a good one to live by.

In 1986 Valerie was appointed Rider of the Order of the Golden Ark for marine conservation by his Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. In 1992 Ron and Valerie Taylor were awarded the Australian Geographic Society’s Adventure of the Year Award and in 2003 were made Members of the Order of Australia for their conservation efforts.

To Watch:

I recently watched a documentary on ABC television called ‘Dolphins: Is our love too deep?’ and it was an eye opener. This is one of those when you know better you should do better moments.

The documentary looks at certain areas in Australia where the practice of hand feeding of dolphins is still being carried out for the sake of tourism. The documentary focuses on a couple of places in particular, one of which is Monkey Mia in Western Australia. I have been to Monkey Mia specifically because of the interactions you can have with the dolphins and although I would have been happy enough to just see the dolphins up close, I did get the opportunity to feed a fish to one of the dolphins and it was an incredibly humbling and moving feeling.

At the time I wasn’t too concerned with the practice because the interactions with the dolphins were carefully managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service of WA, and I believed that the conservation of the dolphins was at the forefront of their thinking, and the education provided to the public was a positive thing.

Now having watched the documentary, I have a completely different point of view and would no longer take part in anything that involved disturbing the natural lives of these and any other wild dolphin populations.

Another incredible ABC series to watch is ‘Ningaloo’ which was authored by, and featured Australian and internationally acclaimed writer, Tim Winton which was filmed in the Exmouth Gulf of Western Australia.

The three part series looks at three remarkable landscapes of the area, Ningaloo Reef the largest fringing coral reef on earth, The Cape Range with its intricate network of ancient limestone caves and Exmouth Gulf, which is the nursery for many of Ningaloo Reefs marine species.

This was another beautifully filmed and thought provoking series that aims to increase awareness of the fragility of the ecosystems and ways in which we can protect and preserve these significant areas.

Ningaloo is another area we’ve visited on holidays and once seen is never forgotten.

To Experience:

I think once you’ve experienced the privilege of seeing marine creatures in their natural environment without human intervention, the wonder of it leaves you awestruck and you can’t help but want to protect the experience and the environments for future generations.

In South Australia we are blessed with a few coastal areas where you can see whales when they visit to calve and rear their young.

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain, at the head of the Great Australian Bight on South Australia’s far west coast, you can get spectacular views of whales from the Head of the Bight Visitor Centre viewing platforms, as these magnificent creatures cruise past the cliffs.

Another spot much closer to Adelaide is Middleton and surrounding beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Here from certain viewing areas, you can regularly spot Southern Right whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Enjoy World Ocean Day today and every day!

Thanks for reading,

Glenys