Every year on June 08, the world marks and commemorates World Oceans Day.  This day was first proposed by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean development and the Ocean Institute of Canada in 1992 during the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.  The main aim of designating this day was to raise the profile of oceans in global discussions and in policy making.  After years of negotiations and discussions, the United Nations officially recognized World Oceans Day in 2008.

Most people are aware that there are five major oceans – Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern (Antarctic) and Arctic – and together they cover approximately 70% of the earth’s surface.  However, there are some lesser-known facts, for example, at this point only about 10% of all the marine species have been described, as the oceans are vast and deep and some parts mostly inaccessible.  The deepest point of the world’s oceans is the Challenger Deep, at 11,000 m (36,000 feet) below sea level in the 200 mile (124 km) wide Mariana Trench.

What most people do know is that the oceans play a critical role in sustaining life on earth, as we know it.  Here are just a few important reasons why we celebrate the importance of the oceans every year and how the oceans contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Income Generation and Livelihoods – SDG 1 –  World Bank reports that the oceans provide 130 million fulltime equivalent jobs globally, and the ocean economy contributes USD 2.2 trillion dollars annually in trade value. Through direct fisheries activities, market and sale of products, provision of equipment and boats, trade, tourism and sports, the oceans play a major role in income generation.

Food Security - SDG 2 – A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that global capture fisheries production reached 92.3 million tonnes. This was made up of 91.0 million tonnes of aquatic animals, 1.3 million tonnes of algae, and about 7,700 tonnes of other aquatic products such as corals, pearls, shells and sponges. Additionally, ocean aquaculture will also contribute to the overall fisheries production from the oceans.  The World Bank report that approximately 3 billion people, or 37% of the global population rely on ocean products for food. 

Health Benefits – SDG 3 – In addition to the often reported calming effect of the oceans, and the benefits of temperature regulation the ocean has been a source of many medicines marine pharmacology is a major area of scientific research. The ocean is well documented as a rich source of medicinal compounds, with organisms like sponges, corals, and algae contributing to the development of new pharmaceuticals. The Caribbean sponge Cryptotethya crypta has been instrumental in developing an anti-cancer drug which is used to treat leukemia and many corals produce compounds that have shown promise in fighting infections which has great potential for the development of new antibiotics. 

Gender – SDG 5 – A recent FAO report states that approximately 500 million people rely on small-scale fisheries for their livelihoods, including 53 million involved in subsistence fishing activities.  Of the total number, approximately 45% are women.  While there are many professions and occupations that may still have a lower percentage of women engaged, fishing and fisheries activities is not one of them.

Energy – SDG 7 -  Wave Energy, Tidal Energy and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) are fast growing renewable energy options across many countries. While initial investment may be relatively high the continuous advances in technology, the long-term returns, the high prices of oil and the need for clean energy options have continued to make these sources of energy more appealing to ocean states.  These sources of energy are easy to tap into as they depend on natural phenomena such as the surface waves driven by daily wind patterns; the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun which cause the rise and fall of ocean tides; and the difference in the temperatures between warm surface waters and cold deep water. 

Climate Regulation – SDG 13 – The ocean absorb heat and also absorb carbon dioxide due to photosynthesis of ocean plant life, and also produces 50-80% of the oxygen that we need. In this, the oceans therefore help to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere but also help to regulate temperatures and contribute to stabilizing climate.

Biodiversity Conservation – SDG 14 – Scientists estimate that the oceans contain over 1 million species, and approximately 90% of them, not yet identified.  From tiny, microscopic species of phytoplankton to massive mammals like the blue whale, the oceans support a wide range of biodiversity including fish and shellfish, vertebrates and invertebrates, plants and animals, sedentary and mobile species, and interdependent communities and ecosystems. Biodiversity underpins the health of ecosystems which contributes to food security, health and economic prosperity.

While we have looked at the importance of the oceans for income generation, food security, health, energy, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, let us take a moment to reflect on the simple joys of enjoying the ocean.

Recreation and Tourism – Watersports have been a key feature of the use of the oceans, for citizens and residents of countries with oceans, as well as to the many visitors to their shores.  From swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the waters, to motorized and non-motorized sports on the surface, the oceans have provided recreation for countless populations over thousands of years.  With this the global income generated from ocean sports and activities is estimated at USD 143 billion to the global economy annually.  For island nations especially SIDS, tourism which is largely dependent on ocean resources, sports and access, forms the main source of jobs and income generation and drives the GDP.

As we mark World Oceans Day in June, let us also remember that we are currently in the Ocean Decade – the period from 2021 to 2030 – 10 years, 10 challenges, 1 ocean.

Sources:

World Oceans Day | United Nations

Mariana Trench | Depth, Location, Facts, Maps, & Pictures | Britannica

Capture fisheries production

Food Security | CMEMS

Fisheries, Aquaculture and Ocean Economies | World Bank Group

9 Ways You Depend on a Healthy Ocean

Medicines from the Sea | Ocean Today

Naciones Unidas

 10 Challenges - Ocean Decade

Ocean Energy - Complete Guide to Marine Renewable Power (2025)

https://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/marine-lifes-most-astonishing-secrets-the-reality-behind-ocean-biodiversity/