BAN WARNS OF UNTOLD DAMAGE INFLICTED ON SEAS, MARKING FIRST WORLD OCEANS DAY
New York, Jun 8 2009 9:00AM
Human activities are exacting a "terrible toll" on the world's oceans and seas, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today in a message marking the first United Nations World Oceans Day.
"Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources," said Mr. Ban in his message.
He added that oceans are also affected by piracy and armed robbery, threatening the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping, which transports about 90 per cent of the world's goods.
"Smuggling of illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons by sea are further examples of how criminal activities threaten lives and the peace and security of the oceans," he said.
The Secretary-General also said that increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies.
Although World Oceans Day has been celebrated by many countries since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the General Assembly decided last year to make it an officially recognized UN annual observance on 8 June.
The Day provides the world body with an opportunity to raise global awareness of the threats to the oceans which cover about two-thirds of the Earth's surface, generating most of its oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, providing food and nutrients, regulating climate, and supplying fishing and other marine resources for income.
The theme of World Oceans Day -- 'Our oceans, our responsibility' -- underscores "our individual and collective duty to protect the marine environment and carefully manage its resources," said Mr. Ban.
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