Galápagos sea lion off the shore of Fernandina Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

© Tui De Roy/Minden Picture

A day for the oceans

The Galápagos sea lion is found only on the Galápagos Islands themselves and the Isla de la Plata just off the coast of Ecuador. They're often spotted playing and surfing in the waves. They're gregarious on land, too, sometimes even grabbing a snooze on a town bench. Although a common and beloved sight on the islands, Galápagos sea lions are endangered, and are vulnerable to changes in ocean temperatures, which can limit their food supply.

Enter World Oceans Day. Celebrated annually on 8 June and recognised by the UN, the day aims to focus global attention on the health of our oceans. This year's theme calls for world leaders to commit to protecting 30% of the seas and 30% of the land by 2030 to help ensure species diversity and safeguard life as we know it. #BigGoals