World Oceans Day, 8th June, is right around the corner and it’s the perfect time to make strong arguments for change. All month long, Project AWARE is taking advantage of strategic opportunities to represent the voice of divers – a powerful constituency when it comes to ocean protection.

Our focus areas – sharks and marine debris – are high on the global policy agenda this month and Project AWARE aims to advocate for the ocean where and when the important decisions are made.

Lasting change is hard and takes a concerted effort from the sea floor, to the local community; from the regional to the international policy level. But we know you’re behind us and we’re grateful for your support!

Here’s where you’ll find us influencing change this month:

Marine Litter Action Network Event, Birmingham, UK - 3 June
A workshop to identify ways to reduce marine litter, propose program measures for the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and scale marine debris solutions to the global dive community.

Seas at Risk, Brussels, Belgium - 5 June
20 member organizations and 14 countries working to protect and restore the marine environment in the European Union  to discuss and adopt a work program for the next year including development of a quantitative reduction target for marine litter.

Sharks International – International Shark Conference, Durban, South Africa - 2-6 June
Researchers from around the world will gather to share current trends, identify gaps in shark and ray research and conservation, and discuss what’s in store for sharks in the future.

IUCN Manta & Devil Ray Global Conservation Strategy Workshop, Durban, South Africa - 9-12 June
A review of the global conservation status of all species of manta and devil rays with the aim to develop detailed conservation actions required to conserve these species worldwide.

International Ocean Conference - Our Ocean 2014, Washington, DC, USA - 16-17 June The US Department of State brings together experts, advocates, lawmakers, and the international oceans and foreign policy communities to address the topics of Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution and Ocean Acidification.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter for updates from the road. We look forward to sharing our progress with you this month and throughout the year.