Today is the first official World Oceans Day. Celebrated unofficially since 1992, it is an opportunity to celebrate our oceans, give thanks for our seafood supply, and reflect on how we can protect and preserve our waters.

The United Nations declared June 8th of every year (starting this year) World Oceans Day, signifying a collective effort to address what is now, undeniably, an issue affecting us all: our oceans’ well-being.

Reflecting this year’s official theme “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility,” U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said of the day:

“The first observance of World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face…”

Here at TakePart, we’re doing a little bit of both. We’ve highlighted ten films in an homage to our oceans, covered a photo contest of incredible ocean-inspired photography, shared the latest about Marine Protected Areas (and ways you can make a difference) and broken down one of our oceans’ serious dilemmas: acidification. Oh–and, of course, we have for you an Ocean Hero contest (go vote!) and four Sesame street videos so you can learn more as you celebrate our salty waters.

Happy World Oceans Day!