In Hainan province, oceans take center stage

Teachers and students from middle schools across Hainan visit the aquarium at Sanya's Atlantis hotel. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

World Oceans Day and China's National Ocean Awareness Day fall on Thursday.

In Haikou, Hainan province, a series of events, including a science popularization interactive exhibition on marine planning policies and knowledge, an ocean-related mobile book hand-over ceremony and a marine-themed painting activity were set for Thursday.

The theme for this year's World Ocean Day is "Planet Ocean: Tides are changing"; National Ocean Awareness Day is themed "Protecting marine ecosystems, and achieving harmony between man and nature".
Members of the public were allowed to board a surveillance ship at the Haikou maritime supervision base in Hainan to learn about safeguarding national maritime rights and interests.

In Sanya, an event was held in which more than 40 teachers and students from middle schools across the province visited aquariums and participated in a beach cleaning activity. They collected plastic bottles and garbage bags and used them to create whale-related art. A marine expert gave a speech on oceanic environmental protection.

Students collect plastic bottles and other trash on a beach in Sanya. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]