Local divers and ocean enthusiasts will celebrate World Oceans Day with a series of family-friendly activities designed to help protect the world’s sea life and raise awareness of threats to our oceans.

The celebration is Wednesday, June 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Highline Community College’s MaST Center, 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines, WA 98198.

Among the highlights will be a Live Dive, special presentations and a reading of Dr. Seuss’ “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” by former Seahawk Pro Bowl center Robbie Tobeck, now host of 710 AM ESPN’s Outdoor Line radio program. There will also be a pre-event beach cleanup beginning at 4 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

A collaboration of the World Ocean Network and the Ocean Project, World Oceans Day is a global celebration of the oceans that began in 2003. Each year, more than 1,200 organizations from all corners of the globe – including aquariums, research centers, and museums – celebrate the day by promoting greater awareness of the crucial role the world’s oceans play in our lives and the important ways people can get directly involved in preserving our natural resources.

Locally, World Oceans Day is being sponsored by Highline Community College’s MaST Center as well as GirlDiver, a Seattle-based dive instruction and retail venue.