McMillan Promotes World Oceans Day

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament chamber to promote the upcoming World Oceans Day which raises awareness of the oceans of the world and encourages their sustainable development and protection.

World Oceans day was formally established last year by UN to occur on June 8th of every year. The 2nd Annual World Oceans Day is to be celebrated next week.

Mr McMillan speaking in his own Members' debate said;

"World Ocean’s day encourages sustainable and enjoyable practices for the environment and the oceans in particular."

"It is our responsibility as members of one of the most progressive countries in the world to recognize the ecological impact that we have upon our oceans, and realize what a vital role they play in our lives."

"We also need to call into question the practices we undertake as a people and how we react to man-made disasters like the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill that is currently wreaking havoc on the Caribbean"

"Sailing and responsible recreational boating are some of the most environmentally friendly activities one can enjoy."

"The status of the ocean is especially important to the West of Scotland as there are more opportunities for Sailing and Boating there than anywhere else in Scotland."

Stuart McMillan MSP's Parliamentary motion;

S3M-5940# Stuart McMillan: World Oceans Day—That the Parliament recognises World Oceans Day 2010 on 8 June and congratulates the United Nations for designating a day with the aim of improving the health of the world’s oceans; considers that lobbying by the Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network encouraged the UN to officially recognise 8 June as World Oceans Day; acknowledges that there will be events to mark the date across the world and hopes that communities across Scotland may take part or organise their own events; further considers that the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, Scotland’s first such Act, goes a long way in improving awareness and responsibility for the sustainability of Scotland’s seas and hopes that the events on 8 June will take up this message; hopes that the theme of the day, Our Oceans, Our Responsibility, will be widely spread, and wishes World Oceans Day much success in future years.