Pacific Whale Foundation is partnering with the Surfrider Foundation-Maui Chapter and County of Maui to host beach cleanups at Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei and Paia Bay from 9 to 11 a.m. on World Oceans Day on Saturday, June 8. A cleanup is also scheduled at Kahului Harbor from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants in cleanup efforts and data collection will receive discounts at the foundation Ocean Store and a chance to win passes to Maui Ocean Center.

MAALAEA – A healthy world ocean is critical to our survival, producing 70 percent of Earth’s oxygen and providing food for billions of people, among other needed services.

Yet, as a global society, we are not taking proper care of such an invaluable resource, causing ocean acidification due to an increased amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and adding 8 million tons of plastic per year.

World Oceans Day is an annual celebration of the ocean, its importance to our lives and how each of us can protect it, no matter where we live.

Held on June 8, this year’s theme is “Together We Can,” encouraging people from around the world to share what they are doing to protect the ocean, showcasing the idea that together, we can make a difference.

This World Oceans Day, you can join Pacific Whale Foundation in advocating for a healthy ocean with shoreline and reef cleanups, a free citizen science micro plastic sampling cruise, keiki art contest, treasure hunt and more.

Keiki are encouraged to celebrate with a special World Oceans Day theme at Ocean Camp, including a “Pollution Solutions” art project. Your keiki can participate in the contest – have them submit artwork that answers this question: “How will you help to keep plastic out of the ocean to protect marine animals?” Submissions can be uploaded to PWF’s Facebook page using #reuseorrefuse and tagging PWF @pacificwhalefoundation. One lucky keiki will receive a snorkel trip for four or a gift certificate for the online Ocean Store, which offers a selection of eco-conscious products and alternatives to single-use plastics.

“Party for the Ocean” will be held at Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei from 4 to 7 p.m. Join the crowd on the lanai to play, laugh, learn and talk story. PWF will present findings from six years of marine debris monitoring in Maui Nui. Compete for a cause and the chance to win great prizes with Oceans Day Bingo and a cornhole tournament, try your hand at upcycled crafts at the T-shirt-to-tote booth, visit with eco-vendors and learn how you can get involved with the foundation’s core research, education and conservation programs. A portion of proceeds from house beer sales will benefit PWF.

This Week Hawaii and Pacific Whale Foundation are partnering to hold an exciting World Oceans Day treasure hunt. Follow clues that lead you on a treasure hunt through Front Street to find the hidden pineapple and win a fabulous prize, including free eco-tour tickets and eco-friendly straw packs from the Ocean Store. Clues will be posted on WOD (June 8) at ThisWeekHawaii.com/treasurehunt.

And on June 10, join the PWF Adopt-a-Highway cleanup from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Honoapiilani Highway and North Kihei Road.

Check out PWF’s Facebook events page and pacificwhale.org/events for more information.