There's Something in the Water...

For 70 years, people enjoyed recreational swimming with little care for what was in the water. But then two musical notes changed everything. Da Dun. Da Dun. In June 1975, Jaws hit theatres and terrified audiences. People were afraid of what was in the water in a way they never had been before. Shark populations plummeted as people caught them for trophies. And to this day, nearly 50 years late, people are still afraid of what is in the water.

But what if a shark is the last thing we need to be afraid of? What if the real danger in the water is actually human activity? From plastic to urban runoff, there are a myriad of threats facing our wild species and spaces that call our waterways home.

Before you retire your swimsuit or fishing rod, please know our waterways are something to be enjoyed by all. We just need to do it in a more sustainable and thoughtful way.

This Rivers to Oceans Week we encourage you to learn about seven very real issues facing our aquatic wildlife. Every day from June 8 to 14, you’ll be challenged to take a pledge that will help turn the tide on the threats facing our oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and more.

Are you up for the challenge?

Fishing gear can harm so many kinds of aquatic animals – from North Atlantic Right Whales to freshwater turtles. That said it is important to note that anglers and commercial fisheries are not intending to harm wildlife. For commercial fish harvesters, they are simply trying to make a living while supporting other sectors like seafood buyers and processors, restaurants, and more! Moreover, both anglers and commercial fish harvesters are not oblivious to these problems and most recognize the need to address them, in the interest of being good stewards, good business, and ensuring the sustainability of the natural resource. Sadly, accidents happen.

From wetlands, ground water and springs to creeks, streams, lakes, rivers and oceans, our water is connected through watersheds.

Rivers to Oceans Week, celebrated from June 8 to 14, recognizes this connectivity and reminds us that taking care of our water is a shared responsibility. Oceans Day, June 8, was declared in 1992 at the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It raises awareness about the importance of the Earth’s oceans and inspires us to take better care of them. Canadian Rivers Day, celebrated since 2003 on the second Sunday in June, gives Canadians a chance to honour our rivers for the important place they occupy at the heart of our history and natural heritage. Since 2007, Oceans Day and Canadian Rivers Day have been celebrated together during Rivers to Oceans Week, which honours themes central to Canada’s watersheds.

Rivers to Oceans Week reminds us that safeguarding the health of all water — local springs, creeks, streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and even groundwater — flowing through our watersheds also improves the quality of Canada’s oceans. It is an activity in which everyone can play a role regardless of where they live.

Join CWF in celebrating Rivers to Oceans Week and help us turn the tide on the threats to Canada’s waterways and the life they sustain.