As World Ocean Day approaches (Sunday, June 8, 2025), Canadians have a unique opportunity to reflect on the incredible role oceans play in our daily lives and the health of the planet. For Canada, whose geography is defined by its extensive marine borders, this day holds exceptional significance. Bordered by the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, and with over 243,000 kilometres of coastline, the longest of any country, Canada's environment, economy, and cultural identity are deeply entwined with the health of its marine ecosystems.
These marine ecosystems host an impressive range of biodiversity. The Pacific Ocean supports orcas, sea otters, and vast kelp forests; the Atlantic is home to endangered right whales and deep-sea coral habitats; and the Arctic sustains ice-dependent species like polar bears and narwhals. Indigenous communities are found on every coast of our country and have stewarded these lands and waters for millennia.
In recent years, Canada has taken measurable steps toward safeguarding its marine environments. As of 2024, Canada has conserved 15.54% of Canada's marine and coastal areas with a commitment to reach 30% by 2030.
Indigenous-led conservation continues to play a growing and respected role in national marine policy. Initiatives such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and Guardian programs are increasingly integrated into marine governance, combining traditional knowledge with scientific monitoring.
Pressures Facing Canada’s Marine Environments
Despite conservation efforts, Canadian marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change and human activities. Ocean warming, acidification, sea-level rise, and habitat disruption are already affecting marine species and coastal communities. In particular, Arctic waters are warming at up to four times the global average, threatening not only wildlife but also the cultural traditions of Inuit and northern Indigenous peoples.
Other stressors, including overfishing, underwater noise pollution, deep sea-bed mining exploration, shipping traffic, and microplastic contamination, continue to pose complex challenges for marine management. Plastic pollution has now been detected in Canadian Arctic sea ice, coastal sediments, and even marine life, pointing to the pervasive nature of this global issue.
Looking Ahead
World Ocean Day is more than a time of recognition, it is a moment of possibility. With growing momentum in science, conservation policy, and community engagement, Canada is well-positioned to remain a global leader in ocean protection. The collective efforts of researchers, Indigenous leaders, non-profit organizations, and everyday citizens offer a hopeful path forward for our oceans.
The Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans are intimately connected to Canada’s vast freshwater systems like lakes, rivers, and wetlands. These inland waters not only support biodiversity and supply drinking water but also flow directly into marine ecosystems. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is the largest watershed in the world, draining nearly a quarter of the Canadian landmass and channeling freshwater from the heart of North America to the Atlantic Ocean. This watershed influences salinity, nutrient cycles, and marine life in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Similarly, northern rivers like the Nelson and Churchill feed into Hudson Bay and James Bay, connecting the Prairies and Boreal regions to the Arctic Ocean. These connections underscore how protecting Canada’s freshwater resources is essential to the health of its marine environments. A truly sustainable approach to ocean conservation must begin upstream with watershed management, pollution prevention, and collaborative stewardship that bridges freshwater and saltwater systems.
In Canada, World Ocean Day has grown into a week-long celebration, marked by a range of events that bring marine issues into the public spotlight. Ocean Week Canada has compiled events happening in nearly every province. Visit their website to find one near you.
As we reflect during this important week, there is much to celebrate and be proud of and even more to work toward. Canada's vast marine territories are both a national treasure and a global responsibility. By continuing to invest in knowledge, innovation, and inclusive governance, we can ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are vibrant, resilient, and alive.
You can contribute by making a tax deductible donation to Water Docs to support our Ocean protection efforts.