World Ocean day 2025: Discover its history, significance, theme and more

Ocean covers over 70% of earth’s surface. It is a vast and dynamic system that plays a critical role in sustaining life on our planet. Oceans comprises of five major basins – Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and southern oceans.

Oceans are home to 50-80% of life forms. From microscopic plankton to the colossal blue whale. The ocean regulates climate, produces half of the world’s oxygen and serves as vital source of food, energy and cultural significance.

Every year on 8 June, world observes, ‘World ocean day’ which highlights the vital role that oceans play in supporting life, livelihoods and planetary health. It was first proposed at 1992 Earth summit in Rio de Janeiro and then was formally recognised by the united nations in 2008. From then on every year, June 8 is celebrated as world ocean day.

History & significance of World ocean day:

The 2025 theme is ‘wonder: sustaining what sustains us.’ It is a powerful reminder to all the humans that the ocean not only sustains us materially but also provides us with food, energy and trade. Oceans also connects, inspires and nurtures us. This year’s message is specifically to inherent the wonders of ocean.

Theme of World ocean day 2025:

Oceans are home to 240,000 known species with millions more believed to be discovered.

Here are some lesser known facts about ocean:

Ocean is said to provide around half of the oxygen on earth.

It is said that coral reefs, mangroves and salt marshes are natural coastline barriers, they help to reduce damage from cyclones.

Around 90% of the goods used around the world are transported across the oceans. Over 200 million containers move around the globe each year.

According to a study, oceans have 60-95 % plastic in it. So, even if plastic pollution is stopped today, the level of plastic would still be more than double by 2025.

According to ocean service, less than five percent of the oceans have been discovered.

There are more historic artefacts under the sea than in museums, well best example can be the ‘lost city – Dwarka.’

Oceans are most important part of our ecosystem and it must protected at any cost.