Ocean Week Canada returns with events across Nova Scotia in June

Crystal Garrett speaks with the coordinators of Ocean Week about the activities they have planned ahead of World Ocean Week.

Ocean Week Canada begins coast to coast June 1 and culminates with World Oceans Day on June 8.

The event takes place across the country but it has personal importance for organizers in Nova Scotia.

“It’s a week of just celebrating our ocean, our connection to the ocean because it’s so important to our everyday life,” said Lucija Prelovec, the co-chair of Ocean Week, in an interview with CTV News Atlantic.

Ocean Week began in Halifax to highlight World Ocean Day in the 1990s at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and expanded across the country.

Co-chair Alanna Canaran said she uses her background in marine biology and ocean education to increase awareness during Ocean Week events.

“We really need more people to care and to be knowledgeable about the ocean in order for us to conserve it in the future,” she said.

There are more than 25 events planned in Nova Scotia alongside those taking place nationwide, including cleanups across the province to kick the week off.

Ocean Week will end with an “awesome big event” including performances and family activities in the new Cunard Space on the Halifax Waterfront during World Ocean’s Day, said Prelovec.

Prelovec grew up in Ontario, far from the coast. She said it’s her dream is to share the “deep love” she developed by swimming in the ocean during summer vacations.

“There’s so many cool things in our ocean and I love being able to protect them,” she said.

“If you want to care and protect something you have to get excited. You have to build that love.”

Canaran said everyone can make a difference to the ocean’s health regardless of their background and Prelovec said it can be as simple as making sure your trash goes to the right place.

A complete list of Ocean Week Canada events is available on the website.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page