Fish Friday: Celebrate World Oceans Day 2014 with WWF

WWF

In advance of World Oceans Day on June 8, WWF-Canada is inviting you to celebrate with us in locations across Canada, with special events bringing the oceans to Ottawa, Toronto and St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Bigeye trevally or Bigeye jack (Caranx sexfasciatus) congregate in schools for safety from attack by predators such as sharks. Fiji © Cat Holloway / WWF-Canon
Bigeye trevally or Bigeye jack (Caranx sexfasciatus) congregate in schools for safety from attack by predators such as sharks. Fiji © Cat Holloway / WWF-Canon

Ottawa
On June 3rd, the ocean will come to Ottawa’s Sparks Street from 11:30am to 1pm for the first ever MP Shuck Off Challenge. With Canada’s east and west coast producing some of the world’s finest oysters, the Challenge will award the best, fastest and even most creative shuckers in this friendly challenge. In addition, 3 of Ottawa’s top chefs will be preparing sustainable Canadian seafood tasters – you’ll find this tidal wave of activity on historic Sparks Street, right in front of the CBC building.
Toronto
World Oceans Day activities continue on June 4th at Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square, where local chef Patrick McMurray will serve up delicious sustainable seafood samples from a food truck from 11am – 4pm. Not to be outdone by the capital, the event will also host the Spring Fling Shuck-Off, bringing the best of Toronto’s afishonados head-to-head for a unique “Hogtown Format” competition in the heart of the city. The square will also take on a decidedly costal feel for the day, so bring your friends and an ocean-sized appetite.
Starfish Oysterbed & Grill chef and owner Patrick McMurray showcases sustainable seafood moments before an appearance on CityTV Breakfast Television on Wednesday, May 27th. ©WWF Canada / Chris Chaplin
Starfish Oysterbed & Grill chef and owner Patrick McMurray showcases sustainable seafood moments before an appearance on CityTV Breakfast Television on Wednesday, May 27th. ©WWF Canada / Chris Chaplin

St. John’s
A few days later, on June 7th, St. John’s, Newfoundland will host a large ocean-themed family fun at the Marine Institute.  Last year saw 1,200 people visit some 25 interactive booths at the famed institute, and 2014’s event is shaping up to have a similarly expansive kid-friendly feel.
Not in Ottawa, Toronto, or St. John’s? Not to worry! You can still be part of this amazing global celebration. The World Oceans Day website provides a useful guide to exciting events happening around the world. Find our more here.
Embrace your inner shucker and head down to a World Oceans Day event near you. ©WWF Canada / Chris Chaplin
Embrace your inner shucker and head down to a World Oceans Day event near you. ©WWF Canada / Chris Chaplin

World Oceans Day, proposed by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janerio 1992, provides an important opportunity each year to celebrate our oceans and their importance in the lives of all Canadians. Whether inland or on the coast, we’re all connected to our oceans, from coast to coast …to coast (that’s right, we have three of them!). They are an important part of our national identity, from our pride in their beauty, to their impact on our economy, or lifestyle and our palates.