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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: 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 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.
| 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 |
Hydrography is a branch of applied science that focuses on the measurement and description of the physical features of aquatic environments.
Source: IHO
This includes oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. Hydrography plays a fundamental role in:
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 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.
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:
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:
Seabed mapping enables precise identification of underwater topography, helping stakeholders make evidence-based decisions and contributing to the sustainable development of ocean resources.
The UN General Assembly’s Resolution A/RES/58/240 (2003) highlights hydrography’s critical role in global safety and sustainability. Key points include:
This resolution emphasises that hydrography is not a luxury, but a necessity for maritime nations.
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:
The UN affirms that investing in hydrography strengthens marine governance and protects the global commons.
According to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 9, countries are obligated to provide hydrographic services to ensure safe marine navigation. Modern demands such as:
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 will be marked globally through diverse initiatives such as:
The IHO encourages countries to submit their content and activities to be shared widely, enhancing public engagement and intergovernmental collaboration.
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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