Many divers and water lovers keep the ocean close to their hearts all year long. World Oceans Day, recognized by the United Nations, takes place each year on June 8, and is meant to both celebrate and draw attention to the issues facing the ocean today. To effect real change, it’s going to take support from individuals, communities, NGOs and businesses.

Actions both large and small can help support ocean protection, on World Oceans Day and beyond. Here are three ways to boost your conservation commitment:

Join the movement

One of the most asked questions we get: What can I do to help? Sign up to receive action alerts at projectaware.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Then be ready to respond to important calls to action or find opportunities to volunteer. In 2014, nearly 5,500 ocean advocates helped protect 21 species of sharks and rays by sending almost 29,000 letters to country leaders.

Become a debris activist

Marine debris is one of the top challengesfacing our oceans today. In 2014, nearly 5,000 scuba divers in 60 countries removed and reported 90,000 pieces of trash from underwater habitats, much of it plastic (Project AWARE). But we need to build an army of divers to combat ocean trash on every dive, and to influence waste managers, manufacturers, and policy leaders to change the ways we make, use, and throw away our stuff. Join the battle at project aware.org/DiveAgainstDebris.

Give back

Nonprofit organizations like Project AWARE rely on public support to make vital work happen. Help strengthen our actions to create a healthy, sustainable ocean planet by making an individual donation online at projectaware.org/ donate. Rally your dive buddies and friends to donate by organizing a fundraiser. In 2014, supporters organized 91 Finathon events, raising nearly $51,500 to fight for, protect, and negotiate for threatened sharks and rays. Find out how at finathon.org.

Project AWARE is a powerful, global movement of committed divers and conservationists who work together to protect the ocean. We feel a responsibility to act on all levels — from local to global. Thank you for joining us this World Oceans Day to fight for the world’s most threatened sharks and rays, and to tackle enormous issues like marine debris. We couldn’t do it without you.