World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, is a crucial reminder of the immense value our oceans hold—for biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. Oceans produce over half of the world's oxygen, absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and regulate global temperatures. They are also home to an extraordinary array of species and provide food and economic support for billions of people worldwide. Even in Manitoba, most of our rivers flow into Hudson Bay, connecting us directly to the ocean and reminding us that inland actions have far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems.

Northern seas are among the most vulnerable and rapidly changing marine environments on the planet. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic are critical habitats for unique species such as polar bears, narwhals, walruses, and countless seabirds, as well as important fisheries that support northern communities. Climate change is accelerating, disrupting ecosystems and opening the region to increased shipping and negative human impacts. This not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the cultural and subsistence traditions of Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these environments for generations. On World Oceans Day, we must amplify efforts to protect these fragile northern seas through science-based policies, international cooperation, and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and leadership. The preservation of these seas is essential for global ocean health and climate stability. 

A group of belugas swimming in the Churchill River estuary (Photo credit: C. Shuert)

Understanding the Changing Arctic and Our Waterways

Each year, the Conservation and Research Department engages with a number of programs aimed at studying Manitoba’s unique aquatic species and habitats. From documenting the distribution of the Manitoban mudpuppy through environmental DNA, to studying beluga behaviour in the Churchill River with our community science program, to our annual shoreline cleanups along the Red River, our team makes a difference and works to cultivate conservation connections between aquatic habitats and our community.  

Assiniboine Park Conservancy Conservation Programs Manager, Dr. Courtney Shuert, poses with the amazing group of collaborators who make this work possible, including scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the University of Manitoba, and APC Veterinarian Dr. Andrea Nace. (Photo: C. Shuert) 

One of the main themes for our Conservation Strategy concerns Understanding the Changing Arctic. As part of this aim, our team recently returned from Churchill after another spring field season to understand the movement behaviour of harbour seals, also called ranger seals, in the western Hudson Bay region. Harbour seals appear to be increasingly common in Churchill, as determined by long-term counts of their occurrence in the summer months. As part of a long-term collaboration with scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, we set a record-breaking year by equipping 10 adult and subadult harbour seals with satellite transmitters to track their movements over the next few months and years. We also collect information on seal health, diet, and microbiota to better understand how seals fit into the ecosystem in the Churchill area. All research projects are reviewed by Animal Care councils and the Research Ethics Review Committee here at Assiniboine Park Conservancy. 

A seal is spotted swimming by the team in Churchill with one of the ‘backpack’ satellite transmitters in view. This transmitter will provide high-resolution information on movement and diving over the next few months before falling off during their annual moult (Photo: C. Shuert). 

We’ve learned some surprising things from the previous 12 seals who carried these satellite transmitters. These ranger seals appear to use a large number of river systems in western Hudson Bay, including the Churchill and Seal Rivers. One individual was even documented as having travelled over 170 km inland on the Seal River over a very short period of time. 

The team sets up at the floe edge in the Churchill River in May 2025 (Photo: C. Shuert). 

Understanding the western Hudson Bay ecosystem and recognizing changes helps provide valuable data to support the establishment of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and adjacent terrestrial Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in the region. NMCAs are established and managed to protect and conserve representative marine areas for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of the people of Canada and the world. This project would not be possible without the extensive support and leadership of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as sponsorship from Calm Air, Manitoba Hydro, and many others. 

Take Action for World Oceans Day 

We all can play a part in protecting biodiversity by reducing our carbon footprints to reduce climate warming and getting involved in initiatives that protect northern ecosystems like the Seal River Watershed IPCA. You can help support the work done by the Conservation and Research team at Assiniboine Park Conservancy by donating to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. 

Here are some simple actions you can take for the whole month of June to help support conservation in Manitoba’s aquatic ecosystems: 

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastics 
Why it matters: Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, harming marine life and ecosystems. 
What you can do: Carry a reusable water bottle, say no to plastic straws and bags, and avoid over-packaged products. 
World Oceans Day action: Challenge yourself to go one whole day (or week!) without using single-use plastics.

2. Dispose of Waste Responsibly 
Why it matters: Trash and chemicals that enter storm drains often end up in the sea, polluting waters and endangering wildlife. 
What you can do: Recycle, never litter, and avoid flushing non-biodegradables. 
World Oceans Day action: Join or organize a community clean-up of a beach, river, or park.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Products 
Why it matters: Harmful chemicals from sunscreen and cleaners can wash into oceans. 
What you can do: Choose reef-safe sunscreens and natural cleaning products. 
World Oceans Day action: Swap one conventional product for a sustainable, ocean-friendly alternative.

4. Choose Sustainable Seafood 
Why it matters: Overfishing and unsustainable practices are emptying the oceans and destroying habitats. 
What you can do: Use a seafood guide (like the Seafood Watch app) to make eco-conscious choices. 
World Oceans Day action: Cook or order a sustainably sourced seafood meal—and share your choice to inspire others.

5. Conserve Water 
Why it matters: Every drop counts—excess water use increases runoff and wastewater that can carry pollutants to the ocean. 
What you can do: Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, fix leaks, and run full laundry loads. 
World Oceans Day action: Set a water-saving goal for the day or audit your home for ways to cut water use.