Celebrate World Oceans Day on Halifax Waterfront

Whether they work in marine-related industries or simply eat fish for dinner, Nova Scotians have good reason to celebrate World Oceans Day on Wednesday, June 8.

Representatives of government, industry and non-government organizations will gather at the Halifax waterfront to raise awareness of the important role oceans have in everyday life.

"World Oceans Day is an opportunity to learn more about the ocean and how we can reduce our negative impact on the marine environment," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "With a coastline that stretches almost 7,500 kilometres, you are never far away from the ocean in Nova Scotia."

Oceans Day activities will be held on the wharf behind the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. There will be interactive and educational exhibits and displays, a touch tank, demonstrations and face painting.

The importance of the ocean to Nova Scotia's economy was confirmed in a study released in April by the provincial and federal governments and the Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council.

"Ocean industries are contributing almost double the amount to the provincial economy in 2001 as they did in 1996," said Mr. d'Entremont.

The ocean sector includes such industries as: fish and aquaculture harvesting/processing; offshore oil and gas; ports and shipping; shipbuilding and boat building; marine technologies; ocean-related tourism; transportation; and research and government services.

June 8 was designated to be World Oceans Day by the United Nations at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.