World Oceans Day calls for sustainable fishing to protect marine life
Mark your calendars for June 8, 2025—it’s World Oceans Day! This annual event unites people around the globe to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and marine life. It’s a day to think about how we can protect the waters that make up 70% of our planet.
Why do we need world oceans day?
Our oceans are not just beautiful; they are crucial to life on Earth. Oceans provide oxygen, food, and support over 80% of the planet’s biodiversity. They are vital for the balance of ecosystems, the climate, and even our survival. We rely on oceans for oxygen with every breath we take, for seafood to feed billions, and for climate regulation.
But oceans are in trouble. Pollution, overfishing, bycatch, and climate change threaten marine life and ecosystems. This is why World Oceans Day is so important. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about action to preserve our oceans for future generations.
Please also read: World Ocean Day
The role of sustainable fishing
One way we can make a big difference is through sustainable fishing. This year’s theme for World Oceans Day is “Sustainable Fishing Means More…,” highlighting how fishing practices can either help or harm the ocean.
Sustainable fishing involves catching fish in a way that doesn’t harm the marine environment. It ensures there are enough fish left in the ocean for future generations, helps protect habitats, and prevents harm to other species.
To make fishing sustainable, we need to:
- Leave enough fish in the ocean to maintain healthy populations.
- Minimize impacts on marine ecosystems, such as reducing bycatch (unwanted fish or other marine animals caught accidentally).
- Effectively manage fisheries to adapt to environmental changes.
When fisheries follow these principles, fish stocks remain healthy, and fishing can continue long-term. This is crucial, as overfishing and pollution are depleting marine resources faster than they can recover.
Sustainable fishing and the future
Fishing can be done sustainably by:
• Monitoring fish populations.
• Setting limits on how much can be caught.
• Preventing harm to the habitats of marine species.
• Using harvest control rules to adjust catches if stocks decline.
Sustainable fishing isn’t just about keeping fish numbers healthy; it also protects the entire ecosystem. Healthy oceans help combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing resources that regulate the climate.
Why sustainable fishing matters
The benefits of sustainable fishing are enormous. If we fish responsibly, we:
• Can feed billions of people without depleting marine resources.
• Help improve food security and reduce poverty.
• Secure a healthy ocean for future generations.
More than 38 million people around the world rely on fisheries for their livelihood, and over a third of the world’s population gets their protein from seafood. Ensuring sustainable fishing practices means there will be food for people, fish for future generations, and healthier oceans for all.
The five oceans of the world
Oceans are more than just a vast expanse of water. We divide the world’s oceans into five major areas:
- Pacific Ocean: The largest and deepest, lying between Asia and the Americas.
- Atlantic Ocean: The second largest, between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- Indian Ocean: The third largest, between Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Arctic Ocean: The smallest and coldest, near the North Pole.
- Southern Ocean: Surrounding Antarctica, it’s the southernmost ocean.
Each ocean has unique features and is essential for maintaining the global ecosystem. From the coral reefs in the Pacific to the icy waters of the Arctic, all parts of the ocean play a key role in supporting life.
The United Nations and World Oceans Day 2025
In 2025, World Oceans Day will open the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. This is an exciting opportunity to shine a spotlight on global efforts to protect our oceans. The conference, held from June 9–13, will focus on collaborative actions to address ocean issues like pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
This celebration will also feature the symbolic raising of the World Oceans Day flag during the Regatta of Boats. It’s a moment to unite and show support for the ocean.
European Wilderness Society role
On World Oceans Day, it’s important to recognize that healthy rivers, wetlands, and forests are vital for ocean health. The European Wilderness Society contributes to this by restoring ecosystems through projects like ALFAwetlands, which focus on wetland restoration to protect biodiversity. The European Wilderness Network, including WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands, and WILDRivers, helps safeguard critical environments, supporting the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
World Oceans Day 2025 is a reminder that our oceans are worth protecting. By choosing sustainable fishing and supporting policies that protect marine ecosystems, we can ensure that our oceans thrive for generations to come. On June 8, 2025, join millions around the world in celebrating the beauty and importance of our oceans. Together, we can make a big difference in protecting our blue planet.
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