World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day falls on 8 June. The United Nations describes its purpose as informing the public about the impact of human actions on the ocean, building a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and uniting people around its sustainable management. The 2026 theme is Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean.

The ocean shapes daily life far from the coast. According to the UN, it covers over 70 per cent of the planet, produces at least 50 per cent of its oxygen, and absorbs about 30 per cent of the carbon dioxide people produce. It is home to most of Earth's biodiversity and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people.

It is also under strain. The UN reports that 90 per cent of big fish populations are depleted and 50 per cent of coral reefs have been destroyed.

Thailand's part of this ocean is long. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources figures reported in 2022 put the Thai coastline at 3,151 kilometres.

Ways to take part: learn the name of one marine species near you, cut single-use plastic, choose seafood carefully, and join a beach clean-up.

The ocean gives a lot and gets a lot thrown back. At AVALON Artisan Gallery, From Waste to Wonder takes one of those leftovers, the more than 50,000 tonnes of green mussel shells discarded in Thailand each year, and reclaims it as MyraShell and MyraGem.