World Oceans Day, a Call for Unity

8 June, 2023 - Our oceans are a source of life, a means to habitation for our marine organisms and source of food and survival and means of transportation. This is the very reason it deserves the attention we are giving it today.

This was the statement made by the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere during the Pacific Ocean Alliance-organised World Oceans Day event held on June 8th.

The President called on all stakeholders to join hands in progressing the implementation and advocacy of positive ocean action.

"We all have a part to play to ensure we protect and treasure our oceans. We must be united and ready to play our part to help planet earth and ensure our collective survival," he said.

In his welcome remarks, Incoming Pacific Oceans Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni added ensuring effective stewardship of ocean biodiversity in the face of multitude changes is our responsibility.

"We have to understand better the climate oceans nexus. We cannot ignore the pressing challenges of marine pollution, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, warming and acidification and the erosion of marine biodiversity" Dr Manoni shared.

MACBLUE Geographic Information System Officer Shyam Lodhia in his presentation during the USP Institute of Marine Resources webinar on the Blue Economy said it is important that people value the importance of the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems and its interconnectedness to our ocean.

“This World Oceans Day places emphasis on the need for change” he shared.

“There needs to be a fine balance between the preservation and the use of our marine ecosystem.”