This year’s World Oceans Day theme is “Our Oceans, Our Future.” A healthy ocean is closely tied to humanity’s future—protecting the ocean means protecting our future. Surrounded by the sea, Taiwan, like many other countries, is facing a marine crisis that can no longer be ignored. It is time to devote greater care and attention. The Marine National Park Headquarters is the dedicated authority responsible for managing Taiwan’s marine national parks. Its primary mission is to promote marine environmental conservation, research, and recreational management. Each year, various activities are organized in response to World Oceans Day, with the hope of conveying awareness and commitment to loving and protecting the ocean through concrete actions and media outreach.
Dongsha Responds to World Oceans Day with a Beach Cleanup
On June 7, the day before World Oceans Day, our office joined hands with stationed units on Dongsha Island—including the Dongsha Coast Patrol Command, the Air Force Dongsha Detachment, the Navy Meteorological Station, and Dongguang Hospital—to conduct a beach cleanup activity.
After more than two hours of effort, approximately 600 meters of coastline were cleaned, with a total of 1,257 kilograms of waste collected. Most of the debris originated from mainland China and Southeast Asian countries, with Styrofoam, foam materials, and plastic PET bottles among the most common items. The purpose of the cleanup was to allow participants to personally experience the severity of marine debris, strengthen environmental awareness among stationed personnel, and promote marine environmental protection goals. In the future, we hope to encourage more people to join marine-friendly initiatives.
Dongsha stationed personnel working together for beach cleanup
Beach cleanup in action
Read a Good Book on World Oceans Day – Publication Promotion Event
In addition to hands-on beach cleanup activities, awareness of marine conservation can also be cultivated through reading. On June 7 and 8, our office held a limited-time World Oceans Day promotion at the Interpretation Service Hall, offering a 40% discount on selected publications and promotional materials. A variety of carefully produced picture books, field guides, DVDs, and souvenirs were available at special prices as a token of appreciation for ocean lovers. Through a single book, readers can begin a journey of understanding and connecting with the vast world of the ocean.
Publication display area in the Interpretation Hall
Promotion shared through the official fan page
“Protect the Ocean – Yes, I Do” Online Campaign
To enhance interaction between the public and our official website and Facebook fan page, the “Protect the Ocean – Yes, I Do” online quiz campaign was held from June 8 (World Oceans Day) to July 13. The questions were designed in diverse formats, including multiple-choice, open-ended responses, and search-based questions. Each week’s questions were accompanied by extended reading materials, providing more detailed information on marine environmental issues and protection efforts. Eco-friendly lifestyle prizes were prepared, combining education with enjoyment while promoting marine conservation concepts.
Protect the Ocean – Yes, I Do campaign website
Eco-friendly lifestyle gifts for the “Protect the Ocean – Yes, I Do” campaign
“The ocean covers two-thirds of the Earth and is a precious resource for humankind. By doing our part to care for the ocean, we can leave its endless vitality to future generations.” Every June 8, World Oceans Day serves as a reminder that while we utilize marine resources, we must also return to the ocean the environment that rightfully belongs to it. Since its establishment in 2007, our office has been committed to the sustainable management of Taiwan’s marine environments, actively promoting conservation and environmental education. Through diverse ocean-themed activities, we aim to raise awareness of the severity of marine pollution and the importance of environmental protection, advocate marine conservation concepts, and reduce damage and pollution to marine ecosystems. Simple daily actions—such as choosing sustainable seafood, reducing plastic use, and not littering—allow ocean protection to become part of everyday life. Together, through collective efforts toward sustainability, we can safeguard our ocean and ensure its vitality for generations to come.