World Oceans Day on 8 June 2017 is a global day of ocean celebration with tourism operators in Australia's Coral Coast reflecting on their connection with the Indian Ocean as a provider of enjoyment, sustenance and, importantly, income.

This year's theme "Our Oceans, Our Future" embodies the Coral Coast region - known for its natural events such as the annual Whale Shark season along the Ningaloo Reef and natural attractions like Morning Reef at Geraldton's Abrolhos Islands, where the Batavia sunk in 1628.

The Coral Coast region is home to some of the world's most remarkable ecosystems and marine wildlife. James Small, owner of Exmouth's Ocean Eco Adventures says “Without healthy oceans, there is no life on earth because physically and spiritually the ocean is the largest medium connecting each every continent on the planet. Navigating the ocean has taught humankind to keep accurate measures of time – the basis of all technology and our modern lifestyle.”

From Exmouth, home of Australia's whale sharks, and the UNESCO World Heritage Ningaloo Coastline, one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world, come these insights: 

Sarah Ellis, owner of Ningaloo Discovery

Yesterday I skippered our vessel taking 20 guests out to swim with four different Whale Sharks on the Ningaloo Reef. In the space of two hours we also witnessed a 26m Blue whale (the biggest animal on the planet), a mother humpback whale and her calf, two species of dolphins, various turtle breeds, a myriad of reef fish and mobula rays - if only all the oceans of the world were this healthy and thriving!

Sonia Beckwith, General Manager of Live Ningaloo 

Our small group tours focus on preparing just 10 people on an adventure of a lifetime. Sometimes it's working with someone who needs extra help learning how to breathe through a snorkel or spending time with one person in-water to make sure they feel safe and can spend their time enjoying our ocean paradise. The Indian Ocean is a jewel, specifically the Ningaloo Reef which is so alive and vibrant with many surprises – every tour being different. We love what we do every day, creating a setting for lasting holiday memories.

From Carnarvon, home to king wave surf breaks and the southern gateway to the Ningaloo Reef:

Justin Borg and Jodie Anderson, owners of Coral Coast Helicopters
As (Heli-Fishing and Heli-Snorkel) tours operators, we not only make a living from showing visitors our two World Heritage Areas - Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef - we also inherit a great responsibility as custodians and educators to those who visit.  We must continually seek to minimise our footprint and impact on these important and sensitive eco-systems we call oceans, and World Oceans Day serves as a nice reminder to review where our business is at.

From UNESCO Shark Bay World Heritage area, home of the world's most extensive seagrass meadows with marine environments covering about 70% of the World Heritage Area:

Will Wardle, 14 year old son of Kieran Wardle, owner of Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge

Living on the island I have been near the ocean all my life; it has provided me and my family with a lifetime of food, fun and a living. Three years ago, I first swam with Humpback Whales. We set out to go for a dive, when a mother and calf approached us. The small one had its head out of the water staring at me while the mother started rubbing its back up against our tiny boat like it was a toy, lifting it half way out of the water. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.

From Geraldton, home of the 122 low-lying coral reef-fringed Abrolhos Islands, a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life:

John and Alison Gooch, owners of Shine Aviation
Our (most popular) Abrolhos Island tour couldn't exist without the pristine, spectacular waters. It is in our very best interest to make sure we take care of the remote beaches and precious coral reef to maximise the enjoyment of such a precious resource. Our pilots and passengers enjoy a unique relationship with the ocean with a bird's eye view flying over crystal clear water spotting whales and dolphins in season in addition to being immersed in the beauty of the coral and abundant sea life, snorkelling over the stunning reef.

For two of the best Ocean accommodation options on the Coral Coast – Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef and the Mackerel Islands are on the money.

Amanda Fisher, Marketing Manager at Sal Salis
World Oceans Day is a particularly special day for us. Being located right on the shores of the beautiful Indian Ocean, we get to swim, snorkel, dive and stand up paddle board right here just off the Ningaloo Reef.  This is one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, and we wouldn't want to be located anywhere else.

Kate McCann, Marketing Manager at Mackerel Islands
At the Mackerel Islands, we run fishing and diving tours in some of the “fishiest” waters nearby to Exmouth's Ningaloo Reef so why not stay on your own private island (Direction) totally surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

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Download video and images: www.dropbox.com/sh/hl4kwenxfel2i8c/AADcpIkt4l_IJfdEwArUEt6ua?dl=0

Media & Images enquiries:

Suzanne Fisher, Marketing & PR Manager
+ 61 8 9321 9111
suzanne@australiascoralcoast.com

Further notes on Australia's Coral Coast:

Australia's Coral Coast is a region tourism organisation (RTO) which promotes tourism attractions and experiences – the region starts just two hours north of Perth and runs north to the Ningaloo Reef, a 15- hour drive or 1.5hr flight from Perth.

The Coral Coast is a diverse journey through deep red desert landscapes alongside 1,100 kilometres of uncrowded, stunning coastline.  Brimming with uninterrupted and uncrowded stretches of white beaches, untouched coral reefs just metres from the shore, breathtaking national park gorges, pink lakes and turquoise waters plus brilliant carpets of colourful wildflowers, the Coral Coast really has something for everyone.

Download our Media Kit: http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/industry/media-centre