Public Urged To Sea The Wonder

The Marine Institute has unveiled Sea The Wonder, an ambitious summer-long campaign that draws inspiration from this week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice and the remarkable success of European Maritime Day in Cork last month.

Timed to coincide with World Oceans Day on 8th June, the campaign invites Irish communities to celebrate our deep connection with the ocean while taking meaningful action to protect marine environments around our coastline.

The initiative reflects this year’s UN conference theme: ‘Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean’ – a message particularly relevant for Ireland’s extensive Atlantic waters.

Building on Cork’s Maritime Success

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, highlighted the campaign’s origins: “We witnessed extraordinary public enthusiasm during European Maritime Day in Cork, where over 2,400 visitors toured the RV Tom Crean and thousands more engaged with our exhibits at the Wild Atlantic Expo. The genuine interest in our marine environment was remarkable.”

“Recognising this year’s World Oceans Day presented a perfect opportunity to channel that enthusiasm throughout the summer months – that’s the driving force behind Sea The Wonder,” Dr Officer added.

The campaign aligns with the official World Oceans Day theme: Wonder: Sustaining the Ocean That Sustains Us, emphasising the vital relationship between Ireland’s coastal communities and surrounding waters.

Join the Movement: #SeaTheWonder

Ocean enthusiasts across Ireland are invited to share their personal connections with the sea. Whether it’s a dramatic cliff-top view along the Wild Atlantic Way, an encounter with marine wildlife, or cherished family moments by the shore, all contributions are welcome.

How to participate:

• Share your ocean wonder on social media, tagging the Marine Institute
• Include the hashtag #SeaTheWonder

The Marine Institute will feature submissions throughout the summer, creating a tapestry of personal ocean stories while raising awareness about marine conservation.