TASAC marks World Maritime Day with a call to safeguard the Ocean

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the world commemorates World Maritime Day 2025, Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has called on the public to safeguard the ocean, emphasizing its vital role in connecting nations, powering trade, and sustaining life on Earth.

In a press statement, TASAC Director General, Mohamed Salum, highlighted the mounting threats facing oceans due to human activity ranging from plastic and chemical pollution, oil spills, and seabed mining, to carbon emissions driving acidification and rising sea levels. These challenges, he warned, jeopardize ecosystems, economies, and the very survival of coastal communities worldwide.

“The ocean is more than a resource; it is our lifeline. Protecting it is not a choice but an obligation. We must act decisively against pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable practices while embracing opportunities in the Blue Economy. This is the time for collective responsibility so that future generations inherit a healthy ocean and a sustainable planet,” he said.

He reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to working with international partners, local stakeholders, and communities to promote sustainable shipping, reduce marine pollution, and advance policies that conserve biodiversity.

ALSO READ: 160 maritime experts join WMUTAA to boost Tanzania’s blue economy goal

Through these actions, Tanzania seeks not only to protect its maritime heritage but also to harness the vast potential of the Blue Economy.

Mr. Salum further noted that Tanzania’s extensive coastline has long been a source of food, trade, cultural exchange, and discovery. With such an endowment, he stressed, comes a solemn duty to ensure preservation for future generations.

This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscores the shared responsibility to protect oceans while unlocking the immense opportunities they provide. Oceans generate up to 60percent of the oxygen we breathe, absorb excess carbon dioxide, regulate climate, and sustain rich biodiversity. They also anchor millions of jobs globally across sectors such as shipping, fishing, tourism, aquaculture, oil and gas, and emerging blue economy industries.