Dubai Beach Cleanup for World Oceans Day
The ocean covers 70% of our planet, produces 50% of the planet's oxygen, is key to our economy with an estimated 40 billion people employed by ocean-based industries by 2030 and provides the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
However, today, 90% of big fish populations have been depleted, 50% of coral reefs destroyed, and it's estimated by 2050 our oceans will be filled with more plastic than fish. We are taking more than can be replenished, the ocean is in need of our support.
These saddening figures are the core reason behind our companies digitisation of the seafood supply chain to sustain our oceans, it's food source and other marine life and the people that depend on it as their livelihood in line with the UN's 2030 sustainable development goals
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the importance of the ocean and provides an opportunity to take part in something that can make a difference.
For World Oceans day this year we set out on a mission to do our part with the local community in Dubai with a beach cleanup. We're fortunate that Dubai municipality are passionate about keeping the oceans and it's area tidy with their specific beach cleaning team already doing their part daily here; but that doesn't mean that we couldn't lend a helping hand!
The main items found with our group today were small plastics and an astonishing amount of cigarette butts; after some research we found that the toxic chemicals from cigarettes leach into their surroundings and have major consequences for marine life. Studies have shown that even small quantities of cigarette butts in ocean water can be fatal to fish and marine organisms.
Whether you're a seafood consumer, an ocean lover, a chef, a fisherman, anyone - we all have our part to play and together we can make a difference!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today, we're excited to be making a difference with the work that we do to give a sustainable solution for the global seafood industry, bringing the community together in these activities and ultimately saving our oceans.