World Oceans Day 2027
A UN day celebrating the ocean that covers most of our planet and calling for its protection and sustainable use.
Quick facts
- Date
- June 8
- Day of the week
- Tuesday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 2008 (first UN observance 2009)
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Also known as
- Proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit
- Hashtag
- #WorldOceansDay
Overview
World Oceans Day, on June 8, celebrates the ocean — which covers about 70 percent of Earth's surface, produces much of the oxygen we breathe and feeds billions of people. The day highlights threats such as overfishing, pollution and warming seas.
History
The idea of a world oceans day was proposed by Canada at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and celebrated unofficially for years. In 2008 the UN General Assembly officially designated June 8 as World Oceans Day, first observed in 2009.
- 1992Canada proposes a world oceans day at the Rio Earth Summit.
- 2008The UN General Assembly designates June 8 as World Oceans Day.
- 2009The first official UN World Oceans Day.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Clean a beach
Join or organise a beach or river clean-up.
Choose sustainable seafood
Look for certified or locally sustainable fish.
Keep plastics out of the sea
Reduce single-use plastic and recycle correctly.
Learn about marine life
Watch a documentary or visit an aquarium with children.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Protect what you love. 🌊 #WorldOceansDay
Saltwater heals — let's heal it back.
Less plastic, more fish.
World Oceans Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 8 | Monday | Passed |
| 2027 | June 8 | Tuesday | 218 |
| 2028 | June 8 | Thursday | 584 |
| 2029 | June 8 | Friday | 949 |
| 2030 | June 8 | Saturday | 1,314 |
| 2031 | June 8 | Sunday | 1,679 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Oceans Day?
Every year on June 8.
When did the UN recognise World Oceans Day?
In 2008; the first official observance was in 2009.
Last updated November 2, 2026