World Oceans Day 2025: Sustaining What Sustains Us
How ISSF Advances the “Wonder” of Our Ocean Planet
As World Oceans Day was celebrated on June 8 and the UN Ocean Conference continues, ocean conservation remains in sharp focus this week. This year’s World Oceans Day theme, Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us, invites reflection on the remarkable life systems the ocean supports, and our shared responsibility to protect them. At ISSF, that mission is central to everything we do.
From safeguarding tuna stocks to supporting ocean biodiversity and promoting industry accountability, here are five ways ISSF delivers on this powerful theme:
1. Driving Science-Based Tuna Sustainability
Tuna species are essential—as a food source for millions of people, a pillar of the global economy, and a vital component of marine ecosystems.
Through science and advocacy—from our Status of the Stocks report to attending Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) meetings—ISSF supports the effective, science-based conservation and management of tuna resources globally. We provide data, best-practices recommendations, and other expertise that vessels, seafood companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), RFMOs and government agencies can rely on to maintain healthy tuna populations.
Learn more: ISSF Status of the Stocks Report
2. Reducing Ocean Plastics with Innovative Fishing Gear
We promote the use of non-entangling and biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) that reduce marine debris and protect vulnerable species like sharks and sea turtles. Our research on “jelly-FADs” is helping phase out gear that risks entangling marine life.
Explore our work: Fresh Thinking About FADs
3. Enhancing Transparency at Sea
Through platforms like the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) and Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI), we publicly track and verify vessel-level sustainability practices, including the use of electronic monitoring systems and non-entangling FADs. These tools provide insight into commitments to best practices beyond regulatory requirements.
Learn more: Verified Vessel Lists
4. Protecting Ocean Biodiversity Through Bycatch Mitigation
Bycatch reduction is critical to marine conservation. ISSF collaborates with scientists and fishers to develop, test, and promote tools and practices that help marine life like turtles, rays, and seabirds avoid capture. Our library of bycatch mitigation resources offers practical guidance, much of which is adopted by fleets around the world.
Explore our work: Reducing Bycatch in Tuna Fisheries
5. Educating & Engaging the Global Tuna Community
From fishers and scientists to retailers and NGOs, ISSF offers tools and expert guidance that help diverse stakeholders drive progress. Our evolving website offers on-demand access to trusted data, research, and outreach tools — helping the global tuna community work together toward a more sustainable future.
Featured resource: Fisher Outreach Program Overview
Reaffirming Our Commitment
As we celebrate World Oceans Day, ISSF reaffirms its commitment to protect the oceans that sustain us — with science, innovation, and collaboration.
