World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day History

World Oceans Day is an annual event dedicated to the celebration and protection of the Earth's vast water bodies. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of oceans to our planet, promote sustainable development, and encourage responsible use of marine resources. This global observance symbolizes a collective effort to conserve our oceans for present and future generations, emphasizing their critical role in regulating climate, providing food, and supporting diverse ecosystems serving as a habitat for innumerable species.

The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, and since then, it has increasingly gained traction and relevance in countries like India. As a nation with a vast coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, India plays a significant role in ocean conservation, sustainable fishing, and combating plastic pollution. The impact of climate change on India's marine biodiversity and coastal communities further emphasizes the need for active participation in the observance of World Oceans Day.

World Oceans Day celebrations in India usually feature various educational and awareness programs, beach clean-up drives, and awareness campaigns led by local communities, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions. Workshops on sustainable fishing practices, marine pollution, and coastal ecosystem conservation are conducted to create a better understanding and appreciation of the oceans. India observes World Oceans Day annually on the 8th of June, joining the global community in celebrating the importance of our oceans and advocating for their preservation and responsible management.

World Oceans Day facts

• The world's oceans have a combined area of approximately 361 million square kilometers (139 million square miles). The Pacific Ocean is the largest and covers about 63 million square miles (165 million square kilometers).
• The average depth of the world's oceans is about 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). The deepest point in the ocean is the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific, reaching a depth of about 10,928 meters (35,856 feet).
• It is estimated that approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year.
• The Indian Ocean Warm Pool, located in the equatorial Indian Ocean, is the largest and warmest amongst the three tropical warm pools. It influences the climate and rainfall patterns in the region and is essential for supporting diverse marine life.
• India's oceans are home to over 2,000 species of fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and various crustaceans and mollusks. Coastal ecosystems like mangroves, estuaries, and salt marshes are also vital components of the marine ecosystem.

In the News and Trending in India for World Oceans Day

Top things to do in India for World Oceans Day

• If you live near an ocean, spend time swimming in the water, sailing, surfing or just walking along the beach. If you don't live near an ocean, plan a trip to enjoy ocean.
• Get your scuba diving license. Every city offers scuba lessons to prepare you see the underwater world. PADI and SDI are two well-known and reputable companies that offer certification courses. You cannot scuba dive without certification.
• Visit Fort Kochi to take part in World Oceans Day events, including beach cleanups, seminars, fishing competitions, and more.
• Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman for a guided tour to explore the fascinating marine life and the beautiful coral reefs. World Oceans Day serves as a great opportunity to understand the importance of conserving our oceans.