World Oceans Day: Sustaining the heartbeat of our planet

THE ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and sustaining every living creature. It is more than just a vast expanse of water—it is a source of life, inspiration, and wonder. This World Oceans Day, it is important to remember that for centuries, the ocean has shaped civilizations, fuelled exploration, and stirred human imagination with its boundless beauty and mystery. It provides the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and the livelihoods that millions depend on. It regulates our climate, absorbs carbon dioxide, and supports an intricate web of marine biodiversity.

Yet, despite its immense importance, the ocean is under unprecedented threat. Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change are pushing marine ecosystems to the brink. Plastic waste chokes marine life, rising temperatures bleach coral reefs, and overexploitation depletes fish stocks. Coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are already facing the devastating consequences of ocean degradation and rising sea levels.

World Oceans Day, observed every year on June 8, serves as a global reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and restore the ocean. This day is not just a celebration of the ocean’s majesty but also a call to action—a demand for urgent, collective efforts to sustain what sustains us.

A brief history of World Oceans Day

The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The idea was to create a day dedicated to honouring and conserving the world’s oceans, recognizing their critical role in sustaining life on Earth. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that the United Nations officially designated June 8 as World Oceans Day, following a resolution led by Canada.

Since then, World Oceans Day has grown into a global movement, uniting governments, organizations, scientists, and individuals in a shared mission to protect marine ecosystems. Each year, the day is marked by events, campaigns, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation. Themes such as “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility” (2009), “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet” (2015), and “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean” (2022) have guided global discussions and initiatives.

The ocean’s vital role in our survival

The ocean is not just a body of water—it is the foundation of life. Phytoplankton, microscopic marine plants, produce over half of the world’s oxygen, making the ocean the true “lungs of the planet.” Millions of people rely on seafood as their primary source of protein, while coastal economies depend on fishing, tourism, and marine trade.

Moreover, the ocean is Earth’s largest carbon sink, absorbing nearly 30% of human-produced carbon dioxide and mitigating the worst effects of climate change. Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes store vast amounts of “blue carbon,” making their protection essential in the fight against global warming.

Despite these invaluable services, human activity has pushed marine ecosystems to a breaking point.

The Ocean in Crisis

1. Plastic pollution

Every year, an estimated 8 to 12 million tons of plastic enter the ocean, equivalent to a garbage truck dumping its load every minute. Plastic waste entangles marine animals, chokes seabirds, and breaks down into microplastics that infiltrate the food chain—ending up on our plates.

2. Overfishing and habitat destruction

Nearly 90% of global fish stocks are either fully exploited or overfished. Destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, ravage seafloor habitats, while illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens food security for millions.

3. Climate change and ocean acidification

Rising CO₂ levels are making the ocean more acidic, endangering shellfish, corals, and plankton—the base of the marine food web. Warmer waters fuel stronger hurricanes, disrupt weather patterns, and cause mass coral bleaching, with over 50% of the world’s reefs already lost.

4. Loss of biodiversity

Marine species are disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. The recent adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is a landmark step toward protecting marine life in international waters—but enforcement remains a challenge.

How we can save the ocean

The ocean’s decline is not inevitable—it is the result of human choices, and with collective action, we can reverse the damage.

1. Ending the plastic crisis

Governments must enforce strict bans on single-use plastics, while industries must adopt sustainable packaging. Individuals can reduce plastic use by choosing reusable alternatives and supporting beach cleanups.

2. Promoting sustainable fisheries

Stronger regulations, marine protected areas (MPAs), and community-led fisheries management can restore fish populations. Consumers can help by choosing sustainably sourced seafood certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

3. Expanding marine protected areas

Currently, less than 8% of the ocean is protected. Scientists urge expanding MPAs to at least 30% by 2030 (“30×30”) to safeguard biodiversity and allow ecosystems to recover.

4. Supporting coastal and indigenous communities

Indigenous Peoples and local communities have been stewards of marine ecosystems for generations. Their traditional knowledge must be integrated into conservation strategies, and they should receive direct funding to lead restoration efforts.

5. Investing in the Blue Economy

Sustainable ocean-based industries—such as renewable energy (offshore wind, wave energy), eco-tourism, and marine biotechnology—can drive economic growth without harming marine life.

6. Strengthening global cooperation

The High Seas Treaty and the Paris Agreement must be fully implemented to ensure international collaboration in ocean governance. Wealthy nations must also provide climate financing to vulnerable island states facing rising seas.

World Oceans Day is more than a symbolic observance—it is a rallying cry for humanity to change course. The ocean has nurtured us for millennia, but now it is our turn to nurture the ocean.

The choices we make today—whether in policy, business, or daily life—will determine whether future generations inherit a thriving ocean or an irreversibly damaged one. We must reject the false belief that the ocean can endlessly absorb our waste and emissions. Instead, we must commit to science-based solutions, bold conservation efforts, and equitable support for those most affected by ocean decline.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8, let us remember: the ocean sustains all life on Earth. If the ocean thrives, we thrive. If it suffers, we suffer. The time to act is now—before the tide turns against us for good.