Covering over 70% of our planet, the ocean is essential to life on Earth. A few examples of Ocean services include regulating our climate, feeding billions of people, supporting livelihoods, and connecting communities across the globe. But, our oceans face growing pressures from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. These pressures demonstrate why World Ocean Day is an important day to come together, celebrate the ocean and reflect on how we can better protect it, for ourselves and for future generations. Even the smallest changes in our daily habits can collectively make a big impact in preserving this precious resource.
Lily Eaton and Louis Desmet on the Falkland Islands Governement Fisheries Department table
Salmon Free Falklands Table
To mark World Ocean Day 2025, SAERI once again teamed up with local partners to host a community event celebrating our connection to the sea and raising awareness about marine conservation. This year’s event, held on Sunday 8th June at the Parish Hall, brought together Falklands Conservation, the Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA), Consolidated Fisheries Ltd (CFL), the Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department, Salmon-Free Falklands, Falklands Outdoors, and Shallow Marine Surveys Group (SMSG).
Each stall brought something unique to the day, with engaging displays and hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy, from guessing game “Where is Lionel the Loligo?”, Ocean themed Origami and shipwreck treasure hunts to tasting some local made Toothfish Pate. Further interactive activities included bringing sound to life with a "match the species to the sound", while learning more about the important monitoring, research, and conservation efforts taking place right here in the Falklands. A crowd favourite was the SMSG stall, which featured an incredible showcase of fascinating small shallow marine creatures found right here in Falklands waters - a reminder of the ocean’s rich and often hidden biodiversity.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all participating organisations, as well as Groovy’s, the Falkland Islands Company, Malvina House Hotel, The Lodges, and Roses Café for keeping everyone fuelled with delicious donated refreshments. And, of course, thank you to the wonderful Falklands community for turning out and celebrating with us - we hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did!
