Protecting at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030
With your help and working with hundreds of organizations worldwide, together we will grow the global movement to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 (“30×30”). A healthy ocean is a critical part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crises. By supporting 30×30, we can protect our planet’s life support systems – specifically the interconnected issues of ocean, climate, and biodiversity.
This year is a critical time for action. National leaders have been meeting and planning to address these issues but what we need is action! Together, we can help protect the health of our blue planet and ensure the security of future generations for decades to come.
They may look like tiny horses, but seahorses are actually fish! Two seahorse species are found around the British coastline – the Spiny Seahorse and the Short Snouted Seahorse – and there are more than 40 species worldwide. They’re the only species on earth in which the male falls pregnant and carries the babies. Seahorses live in shallow weedy areas, especially eel grass beds. In winter they move into deeper waters to escape the rough weather. Sadly, seahorses are another marine species that faces threats of extinction.
What are the threats?
- Over 150 million seahorses are taken from the wild for the traditional Chinese medicine trade
- Around one million are taken from the wild to be sold as souvenirs. Along with shells and starfish they are taken from the sea and left to die in the sun
- The pet trade takes around one million seahorses from the wild for aquaria. Most will not survive and will die in captivity
- Current fishing practices such as beam trawling are detrimental to seahorses, who can easily get caught in their nets
How can I help?
- Encouraging friends and family not to buy dried seahorses as souvenirs when they go abroad
- Supporting volunteer divers who monitor seahorse colonies around the UK
Through Adopt-a-Seahorse, which supports research and conservation projects around the world working hard for a better future for seahorses.
- WWF Save Our Seas
- TWINKL World Ocean Day resources
- Activity Village World Oceans Day Resources
- Download your World Ocean Day colouring page here
- CBeebies – Andy Rap –Love The Ocean Love The Sea
- Cbeebies Andy’s Aquatic Adventure
- Underwater fun at Cbeebies
- Beach Clean Guide by Will McCallum
- Deadly 60 – Life under the ocean
Visit our Future Kids webpages for more information on climate change, recycling, cooking and eating well as part of a healthy lifestyle and ways to get outside in nature, having fun and experiencing its benefits.
