World Hydrographic Day (WHD) is annually observed across the globe on 21 June to raise awareness about hydrography and its role in improving the knowledge of the seas and oceans.
- WHD also aims to publicise the great work of hydrographers at all levels and to increase the coverage of hydrographic information globally.
- The theme of WHD 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities”.
Note: The annual observance of WHD is led by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), an inter-governmental international organisation that aims to ensure that all the world’s oceans, seas, and navigable waters are properly surveyed and charted.
Background:
i.In 2005, the IHO proposed the concept to celebrate World Hydrography Day (WHD).
ii.On 29th November 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/60/30 titled “Oceans and the Law of the Sea, and welcomed the adoption by the International Hydrographic Organization of the “World Hydrography Day”, to be celebrated annually on 21 June,
iii.The 1st ever WHD was observed on 21st June 2006.
Why June 21?
21st June marks the anniversary of the foundation of the IHO in 1921.
- The International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) was established on 21st June 1921 to make navigation easier and safer worldwide by improving nautical charts and documents.
- In 1970, IHB was renamed as IHO.
IHO Announced First Ex Abyssis ad Alta Award
As part of World Hydrography Day 2024, the IHO announced Yves Guillam(France), Assistant Director of the IHO, as the recipient of the first Ex Abyssis ad Alta Award, IHO’s Award for Hydrographic Excellence.
What is Hydrography?
i.Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences that involves measuring water depth (bathymetry), describing the physical features of the seafloor, and fixing the position of all the navigational hazards on the seafloor (e.g., wrecks, and rocks).
- It also involves measuring the physical features of the water column such as the tide and the currents.
ii.Hydrographic information is vital for safe navigation, port construction, offshore infrastructure development, marine environmental planning, resource exploitation (fishing, minerals), etc.
iii.Hydrography ensures the sustainable development of oceans, respecting the marine environment and preventing adverse economic or social impacts.
Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD):
i.The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) was established as the Marine Survey of India in 1874 at Kolkata, West Bengal.
ii.It is a nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and Nautical charting in India that functions under the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India (GoI).
- Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania is the Chief Hydrographer to the GoI.
About International Hydrographic Organization (IHO):
Secretary-General– Dr Mathias Jonas (Germany)
Headquarters– Monaco
