TEHRAN – The National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science plans to observe World Ocean Day on June 8th under the slogan of "Awakening the deep spirit of cooperation and commitment in the field of marine and oceanic sciences", an official with the Institute has said.

World Oceans Day reminds everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food, medicine, and a critical part of the biosphere.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.

The National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science has organized various programs including 5 scientific lectures, 3 workshops, and several educational, research, and promotional programs, to observe the day, ISNA quoted Ali Mehdinia as saying.

“The programs aim to raise awareness about the country's priorities in the field of marine sciences and sustainable use of sea resources,” the official said.

The programs will mostly focus on current issues of oceanography at the international level, the official added.

Scientific lectures with topics such as ‘operational oceanography’; ‘satellite oceanography’; ‘digital twin of the ocean’; ‘marine geological capacities of surrounding waters’; ‘assessing the impacts of developing Pars special energy and economic zone on the region’s coastal-marine habitats’, are some parts of the programs.

Holding a painting course and acquainting students with the sea and the environment (Caspian Sea Oceanographic Center-Noshahr); running a workshop on climate change in the Caspian Sea highlighting the effect of rising sea surface temperature on benthic nematodes of Noshahr’s coast; conducting Indian Ocean Tsunami warning workshop in Jask port (flooding map and evacuation plan); and offering workshop on the current state of the surrounding sea ecosystem in the northwest of the Indian Ocean are parts of educational, research, and promotional programs that will be offered by the Institute.

The Institute also plans to hold a training course on seas and oceans for students (Bandar Abbas port and Chabahar Oceanographic Center) and monitoring the corals of the coast of Chabahar Bay (Chabahar Oceanographic Center) are among other programs of the week.

Awaken New Depths

The ocean covers over 70 percent of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen. It is home to most of Earth’s biodiversity and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

Even with all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90 percent of big fish populations depleted, and 50 percent of coral reefs destroyed, humans are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished.

It is essential to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

‘Awaken New Depths’ is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024. The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activists to showcase how our relationship with the ocean needs to urgently change since our efforts to date have only skimmed the surface. To motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths.

This year, the United Nations will host a hybrid celebration of the annual event on Friday 7 June 2024, hosted in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York to be broadcast live. It will highlight the 2024 theme of ‘Awaken New Depths’.

The annual event will shed light on how to work together to ensure the ocean’s health and well-being.

MT/MG