We Are One Ocean

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Recent critical threats facing the world's oceans have prompted the WSL to launch a world-wide campaign today at www.weareoneocean.org that aims to conscientize the world via a huge petition. Kickstarting the programme is a video series featuring Irish surfer and marine social scientist Dr Easkey Britton; WSL Champion Italo Ferreira; marine biologist Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson; pro surfers Mikey February and Sophia Medina; and surfer, chemist and journalist Dr Cliff Kapono.

The six activists are part of the We Are One Ocean campaign's call for the protection of 30% of our oceans by 2030, or 30x30, and explores our deep connection to the ocean and the many reasons why we should take action to protect it.

February relates how the ocean impacts his home town of Cape Town, and how the many cultures who live there rely on the ocean. The ocean has given February a place for self-expression and the base to pursue his career. February believes everyone should play their part for what the ocean gives us.

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Irish surfer Dr Easkey Britton, 35, has a Ph.D in Human Wellbeing and Coastal Resilience from the University of Ulster. In 2010, she won her fifth consecutive Irish National Surfing Championship title at her namesake wave in County Sligo and in 2009 became the British Pro-Tour Champion. She is also the first woman to surf Mullaghmore and Eileens, two notorious big wave spots in Ireland. She shares her love and gratitude for the ocean and her passion for conserving it.

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Italo, 26, was born on 6 May 1994 at Baía Formosa, State of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. He has competed on the WSL Championship Tour since 2015, winning his first world title in 2019. The Brazilian Olympic qualifier tells us how being raised beside the sea has shaped his entire world, giving him the chance to fall in love with the sport that changed his life and pursue his passion.

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Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, 31, is a marine biologist and conservation strategist. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York and holds a PhD in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She describes her relationship with the ocean, and shares that if we raise our collective voices and hold our leaders accountable, 30x30 is a meaningful solution to the climate crisis, and if we succeed we will get to watch the ocean rebound in the most magical way.

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Young surfer Sophia Medina, 17, is a serious Instagram celebrity. Her account @sophiamedina has more than 430,000 followers. The former Rip Curl Grom Search winner in February 2018 is the younger sister of 2x WSL Champion Gabriel Medina. Her connection to the ocean began with her very first steps into its waters. The young Brazilian hopes to preserve it so future generations of young people can discover the same connection she has.

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Pro surfer and chemist Dr Cliff Kapono, 26, has degrees in BS Biotechnology and MS Molecular Bioscience and Bioengineering from Hawaii University. Apart from his prodigious talents in the surf, he has produced award-winning films that discuss indigenous activism, ocean conservation, global food security and virtual reality. Based in Hilo, Hawaii, Cliff reflects on his relationship with the ocean and how much it means to him in the hopes that his story will inspire others to sign the petition. Kapono’s love for the ocean drives him to do all that he can to protect it.

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In celebration of We Are One Ocean the WSL is calling on people around the world to sign the petition at www.weareoneocean.org and share a message of love for the ocean over the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend. To raise awareness for the petition WSL will be hosting a series of virtual experiences designed to connect people with their love for the ocean and inspire them to take action to protect it.

The We Are One Ocean campaign is supported by Shiseido, Gillette Venus as part of their ongoing commitment to using fewer resources by 2030, and the all-new Jeep 4xe hybrid electric vehicle.