On June 8, the town of Marblehead will join communities around the globe in recognizing World Oceans Day, a time to celebrate and protect one of our planet’s most vital resources. With a proud maritime history and deep coastal roots, Marblehead is uniquely connected to the ocean — environmentally, economically, and culturally.
World Oceans Day was officially designated by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness of the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. Each year, it provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and nations to reflect on our collective dependence on the ocean and act to protect it.
The theme for World Oceans Day 2025, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites us to consider not only the scientific importance of the ocean, but also its beauty, power and capacity to inspire. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet’s surface, generates at least half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates climate patterns and supports the livelihoods of over 3 billion people worldwide. Yet despite its immense value, the ocean faces significant threats, including pollution, overfishing, acidification and rising temperatures.
In acknowledging these challenges and the ocean’s indispensable role in our lives, the Marblehead Select Board issued a formal proclamation marking June 8, 2025, as World Oceans Day in Marblehead. The proclamation emphasizes the town’s commitment to ocean stewardship. “Marblehead is a town defined by its connection to the sea,” the proclamation reads. “We encourage all residents to participate in activities that celebrate the ocean’s significance and promote its conservation for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Sustainable Marblehead has a fun-filled weekend planned June 5-8, from an “Around Alone” outdoor movie showing at the Lee Mansion, a talk from the head of the Commonwealth’s Coastal Zone Management at the Old Town House, clean-ups at Devereux and Riverhead beaches, and a Harbor Fair at State Street Landing with educational and other tables plus several fun children’s activities.
All are welcome to board American Promise, built here in town and designed by Ted Hood. The vessel was made famous by Dodge Morgan’s 1985–1986 record-breaking 150-day, 27,000-mile solo circumnavigation of the world. American Promise, celebrating her 40th birthday this year.
In Marblehead, where we can see the vast Atlantic stretching to the horizon, the message of World Oceans Day resonates deeply. Generations have fished, sailed, recreated and dreamed beside these waters. And we’re giving back. Boaters and sailors of all stripes in Marblehead waters and beyond have taken the Sailors for the Sea pledge to protect our waters through Clean Clubs, Clean Regattas and the Green Boater pledge, which includes avoidance of single use plastics.
World Oceans Day also aligns with broader efforts to address global environmental challenges. The ocean’s role in carbon absorption and ecosystem regulation is critical. Conservation and sustainable management of marine resources are essential to human health, food security and long-term economic stability.
The Town’s Harbor Plan Implementation Committee is applying for funding to provide greater public access to the water, repair existing infrastructure, improve recreational boating facilities and services, and build resiliency to sea level rise and climate change. We want to promote commercial fishing, which is at the heart of our Blue Economy — those who make their living from the sea — and do so in a sustainable way.
In a community like Marblehead, where the harbor and ocean define so much of our history, quality of life and why we choose to live here, we have an obligation to protect, enhance and make sustainable our greatest resource for future generations. It’s a source of pride and enjoyment for everyone and the lifeblood of our local economy. Whether through advocacy, education or stewardship, every action contributes to a healthier, more resilient ocean. As our Select Board reminds us, “World Oceans Day is not just a moment of recognition — it is a call to action.” Get involved.
President Kennedy delivered a poignant reflection on our intrinsic connection to the sea in 1962: “I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it’s because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea — whether it is to sail or to watch it — we are going back from whence we came.”
Rob Howie is a member of the Marblehead Harbor Plan Working Group, Sailors for the Sea Skipper for Marblehead, board member of Sustainable Marblehead and a recipient of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Harbor Award.
