National Rivers and Oceans Month, celebrated every June, honors the beauty and importance of the world’s water systems.  From oceans to rivers and lakes, this month-long observance encourages us to learn about the water that surrounds us and how we can protect these precious resources for future generations and the countless species that depend on them.

 

Water covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface and is essential to all life. Oceans, rivers, and lakes regulate climate, support biodiversity, and provide food, recreation, and livelihood. Without healthy water systems, life on Earth would not be possible.

 

Here in Hawaiʻi, water is a big part of our lifestyle. Whether it’s through fishing, surfing, farming, or swimming, our communities are connected to the water every day. It sustains us and connects us with the rest of the world. That’s why it’s so important to mālama i ka wai – to care for and protect our waters.

 

Many local organizations and initiatives across Hawaiʻi are working hard to safeguard our rivers and oceans. Educational programs and community events, like beach cleanups, reef care efforts, and marine life workshops, offer great ways to get involved. You can even take charge in leading your own efforts by joining the Adopt-A-Highway program to pick up litter along our roadways and prevent it from polluting the ocean. Participating in these activities is a hands-on way for you and your ʻohana to give back to the environment that gives us so much.

 

A major step into protecting Hawaii’s waterbodies is preventing storm water pollution. Almost all of the storm water that ends up on our roadways runs off into the ocean, bringing with it all the pollution that it encounters along the way, such as trash and litter, oil and grease, chemicals, fertilizers, and sediment. We can do our part to minimize this pollution by educating ourselves and those around us about storm water and participating in activities and habits that are storm water-friendly. Find more resources and storm water-friendly tips on our Baby Steps, Big Steps, and Giant Steps pages.

 

By learning about our water ecosystems, spreading knowledge, and taking action, we can all be stewards of the land and sea, preserving them for the health and well-being of both people and planet, now and into the future.

 

Sources: National Ocean Service, USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program