ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf called for urgent and collective global action to protect the marine environment on World Oceans Day, citing threats from pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change.

Observed annually on June 8, World Oceans Day recognises the vital importance of the seas and reaffirms the shared responsibility to protect natural habitats, Admiral Ashraf said in his message.

He noted that oceans constitute more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and play a pivotal role in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, facilitating global trade and sustaining millions of livelihoods as a critical source of food and energy.

The theme for World Oceans Day 2026, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet”, underscores the urgency to strengthen conservation efforts aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future.

“Marine Protected Areas are specific regions of the ocean where human activities are carefully managed to protect the natural resources,” the admiral said. “MPAs serve as critical instruments for conserving marine biodiversity and protecting fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, fish population, endangered marine species and coastal habitats.”

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026