World Ocean Day – Spokesperson availability

8 June 2021

Today’s World Ocean Day campaign has been running for almost 30 years with a focus on encouraging action worldwide to ensure a healthier ocean that sustains us all wherever we live.

A Youth Advisory Council elected every year drives the initiative, which has fostered a global network of young people and organisational leaders in over 140 countries to help achieve its aims and objectives.

World Ocean Day 2021 has a Conservation Action Focus on protecting at least 30 percent of the blue planet for a healthy ocean and climate – “30x30” – with the aim of increasing protection for the Earth’s synergy of oceans, climate and biodiversity.

The University of Oxford has a rich legacy of extensive research that focuses on ocean conservation in a wide range of areas and which ties into the ethos of World Ocean Day.

April Burt of the Department of Plant Sciences is available to talk to the media today about her research on marine plastic pollution, especially waste in the Indian Ocean generated by industrial tuna fisheries. She also looks at its impact on coral reef conservation.

To secure an interview with her or for further questions, please contact Amjad Parkar, Communications Officer, University of Oxford, [email protected] or 01865 270002