Jakarta — Marking World Oceans Day on June 8, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) called on governments and the global shipping industry to accelerate the implementation of measures aimed at protecting the world’s oceans and marine ecosystems.
In a video message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said that while the organisation has developed a strong regulatory framework to address marine pollution and emerging threats, greater efforts are needed to translate commitments into tangible results. “Beyond setting the rules, we must put policy into practice,” he said, referring to IMO’s 2026–2027 World Maritime Day theme, From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.
The IMO highlighted recent progress in tackling marine plastic litter, reducing underwater radiated noise from ships, preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species through biofouling, and advancing discussions on cutting greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. The agency reaffirmed its goal of achieving zero plastic waste discharges from ships into the sea by 2030.
With 176 member states, the IMO oversees key international conventions, including MARPOL, the Ballast Water Management Convention, and the London Convention on marine dumping, which form the backbone of global efforts to safeguard ocean health. (nsh)
Banner photo: IMO
