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Posted by David Sexton
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24 September, 2025
‘OUR ocean, our obligation, our opportunity’ is the theme of World Maritime Day 2025 (25 September), as the seas face mounting pressures from human activity.
Landmarks such as the IMO headquarters and Port Kembla lighthouse will be bathed in blue light in the evening of the day to promote this year's theme and the IMO has invited member states, intergovernmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations in consultative status with IMO to light up landmarks.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez spoke of challenges for the ocean.
“The ocean sustains life as we know it. It allows us to breathe and to regulate our climate. The ocean brings food to our table, it connects people across continents and provides global blue ways for the ships which transport 80% of world trade,” he said.
“But our ocean is under threat. Plastic pollution, rising temperatures, acidification, overfishing, our oceans are struggling to keep up with human pressure.”
Mr Dominguez said the ocean’s decline isn’t a coincidence, rather it was driven by human activities.
“But it also means we have the power to reverse [decline],” he said.
“It is our obligation to work collaboratively to reduce pollution, protect marine life and shift to sustainable habits.”
Mr Dominguez said protecting and restoring the ocean was not just a duty, rather “it is our opportunity to build a healthier planet, stronger economies and a safer future for generations to come”.
