The Florida Aquarium Celebrates World Ocean Day with a Weekend of Action and Inspiration

June 3, 2026

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Tampa, FL – Covering nearly 71% of Earth’s surface, the ocean sustains life as we know it — providing food, oxygen, recreation, and habitat for millions of species.

The ocean has an extraordinary impact on people, wildlife, and the planet:
💙 The ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe
🐢 Supports the livelihoods of more than 3 billion people
🐠 Coral reefs provide habitat for about 25% of all marine species
♻️ Individual actions can help protect ocean health
🦈 An estimated 80% of the ocean remains unexplored

In celebration of World Ocean Day on Monday, June 8, The Florida Aquarium will host a full weekend of events designed to inspire action, raise awareness, and support the protection and restoration of our oceans and marine life.

Student Art Installation: “Marine Debris Awareness and Outreach”
Inside The Florida Aquarium, guests can experience a powerful art installation created by local students who transformed trash collected from local beaches into compelling works of art. Through an ongoing partnership with Robinson High School’s Marine Biology Club, Lanier Elementary third and fourth graders, and with grant support from the Gulf of America Alliance, the exhibit highlights the growing issue of marine debris and showcases the students’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, students collected more than 330 pounds of marine debris, sorting and analyzing 4,000 pieces of trash as citizen scientists. Their creations are on display on the second floor of the Aquarium at the entrance to the Coral Reef habitat.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS OF THIS YEAR’S STUDENT ART INSTALLATION
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

Cleanup at Seaplane Basin Park – Saturday, June 6
Leading up to World Ocean Day, the weekend kicks off Saturday morning with a hands-on cleanup at Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Islands. Aquarium staff, volunteers, and community members will work together to remove debris from shorelines and waterways, helping reduce pollution and protect marine wildlife.

Media Opportunity
WHEN: Saturday, June 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Islands, near the dog park & boat ramp | 650 Severn Ave., Tampa, FL 33606
WHAT: Volunteers and staff from The Florida Aquarium will remove debris from the park, shorelines, and water
WHO: Interviews are available with The Florida Aquarium team members and volunteers.
Morning live shot interviews can be arranged upon advance request
On-site contact: Karen Benson – (630) 632-7346

DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS OF PRIOR CLEANUPS
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

World Ocean Day Soirée: Sunset Cruise – Saturday, June 6
The celebration continues Saturday evening with the Annual World Ocean Day Soirée, an exclusive 21+ event supporting marine conservation efforts. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour surrounded by stunning underwater views, followed by a tropical celebration under the stars with gourmet cuisine, live music by local artist #NoFilter, up-close animal encounters, and a sunset cruise aboard Bay Spirit II.

Community members can also support The Florida Aquarium by participating in the Soirée’s online auction, benefiting programs dedicated to saving marine wildlife and protecting our oceans.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR’S SOIRÉE
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

World Ocean Day on June 8 – Experience the Ocean From Anywhere
The Florida Aquarium is sharing two relaxing underwater videos that offer a calming glimpse into its vibrant Coral Reef Habitat and graceful stingrays. The videos provide an opportunity to experience the beauty of the ocean from anywhere while celebrating World Ocean Day.

DOWNLOAD THE AQUARIUM’S CALMING UNDERWATER VIDEOS
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

Whether through art, action, or advocacy, there are many ways to celebrate World Ocean Day. The Florida Aquarium encourages the community to help inspire positive change for a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future. For more information, visit flaquarium.org.