World Hydrography Day 2025, Theme, History, Significance, Hydrography

World Hydrography Day 2025, observed on 21 June, highlights the importance of seabed mapping for safe navigation, ocean sustainability, and marine data use. The 2025 theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action” supports global marine development efforts.

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June 21, 2025

World Hydrography Day 2025, Theme, History, Significance, Hydrography

World Hydrography Day 2025: Every year on 21 June, nations around the globe observe World Hydrography Day to recognise the crucial role of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, supporting marine science, and promoting sustainable ocean development. Established by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), this day raises awareness about hydrography and its significance in understanding and managing our water bodies effectively.

World Hydrography Day 2025

World Hydrography Day 2025 was celebrated on 21 June 2025 (Saturday), emphasising the critical role of hydrography in understanding our oceans and promoting sustainable development. With the theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action,” the day focuses on the importance of mapping ocean floors to support navigation safety, environmental conservation, and marine economic growth. It aligns with the broader goals of the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference and the IHO Strategic Plan, strengthening the role of hydrographic data in enabling global ocean action.

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World Hydrography Day Overview
Particulars Details
Day & Date Saturday, 21 June 2025
Occasion World Hydrography Day 2025
Established By International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
First Observed 2006 (Officially recognised by the UN in 2005)
Theme for 2025 Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action
Objective To raise awareness about hydrography and its importance for ocean knowledge, navigation, and sustainability
Organizing Body International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
Key Focus Areas Seabed mapping, sustainable marine use, safety of navigation, ocean governance
Participants National hydrographic offices, scientific community, maritime industry, governments, public

Also Read: Important Days In June 2025

What is Hydrography?

Hydrography is a branch of applied science that focuses on the measurement and description of the physical features of aquatic environments. 

World Hydrography Day

Source: IHO

This includes oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. Hydrography plays a fundamental role in:

  • Ensuring the safety of navigation through nautical charts and marine maps
  • Supporting marine economic activities like fisheries, offshore energy, and port operations
  • Facilitating coastal zone management, marine biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction (e.g., tsunami modelling)
  • Aiding in maritime boundary delimitation and defence strategies

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

As marine environments evolve, updated and accurate hydrographic data become increasingly vital for global maritime operations.

World Hydrography Day 2025 History

World Hydrography Day was officially established by the United Nations in 2005 to recognise the importance of hydrography in maritime safety and ocean governance. The celebration marks the founding of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), originally formed in 1921. Since its first observance in 2006, the day has highlighted the vital contributions of hydrographers. World Hydrography Day 2025 continues this legacy, promoting awareness of seabed mapping and sustainable ocean action.

World Hydrography Day 2025 Theme

The World Hydrography Day 2025 theme is “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action”.  It is an acknowledgement of the key role seabed mapping plays in advancing global ocean initiatives, sustainable marine usage, and data-driven ocean action.

The theme emphasises two strategic goals from the IHO:

  1. Goal 3: Participating actively in international efforts for sustainable ocean use.
  2. Goal 2: Increasing the use of hydrographic data for societal benefit.

Importance of Seabed Mapping

The theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action” brings attention to the foundational role that hydrography plays in understanding the seabed. Key benefits of seabed mapping include:

  • Improved nautical charting for safe navigation
  • Supporting the blue economy through sustainable energy, tourism, and fisheries
  • Enhancing biodiversity conservation and marine spatial planning
  • Monitoring climate and ocean changes
  • Facilitating informed decisions in policy, defence, and industry

Seabed mapping enables precise identification of underwater topography, helping stakeholders make evidence-based decisions and contributing to the sustainable development of ocean resources.

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United Nations and Global Efforts on Hydrography

The UN General Assembly’s Resolution A/RES/58/240 (2003) highlights hydrography’s critical role in global safety and sustainability. Key points include:

  • Encouragement of increased IHO membership and support
  • Cooperation between IMO and IHO for electronic nautical chart adoption
  • Calls for enhanced hydrographic services in developing and coastal states
  • Recognition of hydrography’s importance for economic growth, capacity-building, and environmental stewardship

This resolution emphasises that hydrography is not a luxury, but a necessity for maritime nations.

United Nations Endorsement of Hydrography

The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/58/240, recognizes the vital role of the IHO and hydrographic data in marine safety and sustainable development. The resolution:

  • Encourages global cooperation in enhancing hydrographic services
  • Promotes capacity-building in developing nations
  • Advocates for the transition to electronic nautical charts
  • Calls for increased hydrographic coverage in vulnerable and busy maritime zones

The UN affirms that investing in hydrography strengthens marine governance and protects the global commons.

International Obligations and Technological Advancements

According to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 9, countries are obligated to provide hydrographic services to ensure safe marine navigation. Modern demands such as:

  • Super-sized vessels (VLCCs)
  • New marine trade routes
  • Offshore resource extraction
  • Climate change and rising sea levels

Necessitates high-precision and updated hydrographic data. Thankfully, recent advancements in satellite positioning systems, multi-beam sonar, and autonomous survey vessels have revolutionised how seabed data is collected and interpreted.

World Hydrography Day 2025 Celebrations

World Hydrography Day 2025 will be marked globally through diverse initiatives such as:

  • Public exhibitions, seminars, and technical conferences
  • Social media campaigns coordinated by the IHO on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
  • Release of educational videos and materials showcasing hydrographic work
  • Posters and outreach from Member States, such as the one from Greece for WHD 2025
  • Contributions from national hydrographic offices, NGOs, and academic institutions to promote awareness

The IHO encourages countries to submit their content and activities to be shared widely, enhancing public engagement and intergovernmental collaboration.

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Conclusion

World Hydrography Day 2025 is more than a ceremonial occasion—it is a call to action. With the powerful theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action,” the global hydrographic community reaffirms its commitment to sustainable marine development, safe navigation, and environmental stewardship.

By advancing the science of hydrography and improving access to reliable ocean data, we can chart a safer and more sustainable future for our oceans and for humanity.

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World Hydrography Day FAQs

World Hydrography Day is observed on 21 June to raise awareness about the importance of hydrography in safe navigation and marine conservation.

Hydrography is the science of measuring and describing the features of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes to support navigation and maritime activities.

The World Hydrography Day 2025 theme is “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action,” emphasising ocean sustainability through detailed seabed analysis.

World Hydrography Day 2025 showcases the role of hydrographic data in ocean action, supporting safe shipping, coastal tourism, and marine protection.

It is celebrated globally with exhibitions, online events, and national campaigns promoting hydrography’s role in navigation and the blue economy.

Hydrography helps in marine safety, coastal management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development by providing reliable oceanographic data.

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