ISLAMABAD (National Times) – In his message on World Ocean Day, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi said the Pakistan Navy is playing a key role in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

He said Pakistan Navy is conducting notable efforts to preserve marine resources including cleaning of beaches, construction of harbor debris collection barges, large scale mangrove tree planting, control of oil spill pollution and reduction of marine pollution by local and industrial community.

The Naval Chief urged the marine community to take practical and supportive steps for highlighting the significance of this day.

Amjad Khan Niazi said on this day, we reaffirm our commitment and determination that we will prevent damage to our oceans and save them from further destruction.

The World Oceans Day is being observed on Wednesday with the theme of “Revitalization: Collective action for the ocean”.

The purpose of observance the day is to raise awareness among people about the “impact of human actions on the ocean” and to mobilize citizens for their sustainable management.

The day is observed to prompt the role oceans play in our everyday life reminding every year of the destruction caused by human activities like garbage and sewage disposal and oil leaks.

Oceans consist over 70 percent of the planet and are essential to support and promote life and it is a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.

In 2008 UN General Assembly decided that June 8 be officially recognise as ‘World Oceans Day’.