The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Marks World Oceans Day 2026 with Renewed Ocean Governance Commitment

For Immediate Release – 8 June 2026

Today, 8th June 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration joins the global community in observing World Oceans Day, a moment to recognise the critical importance of the ocean to life on Earth and to recommit to its sustainable management and protection. For The Bahamas, a developing ocean state whose territory is overwhelmingly marine, this observance underscores the urgent need for strong, coordinated ocean governance and maritime stewardship.

The ocean remains central to our nation’s economic resilience, food security, biodiversity, climate adaptation efforts, and cultural identity. As such, the Government of The Bahamas continues to prioritise policies and partnerships that promote the sustainable use, conservation, and effective governance of ocean space, while safeguarding national interests.

Advancing Ocean Governance Through Diplomacy and International Engagement

Over the past year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau, has strengthened The Bahamas’ engagement and leadership in key regional and international ocean governance processes.

Officers of the Bureau have actively participated in a number of high-level meetings and technical engagements, including:

  • Meetings of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), contributing to discussions on institutional arrangements, capacity-building, and technology transfer for Small Island Developing States (SIDS);
  • Sessions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including participation in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), addressing global standards for shipping, marine environmental protection, and maritime safety;
  • Engagements under the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), including participation in the Meso-American and Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC), supporting regional cooperation in hydrography, seabed mapping, and navigational safety;
  • Regional maritime and technical consultations within the Caribbean to strengthen coordinated approaches to ocean governance and maritime cooperation;
  • Participation in United Nations processes on oceans and the law of the sea, including intersessional and preparatory discussions coordinated by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) in advance of formal global meetings;
  • Bilateral and multilateral engagements with international partners to advance cooperation in maritime boundary management, ocean policy, and capacity-building initiatives.

Notably, The Bahamas will host the 27th Meeting of the Meso-American and Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC 27) later this year, further underscoring the country’s leadership in regional hydrographic cooperation and its commitment to strengthening maritime safety and ocean data governance in the Caribbean region.

Reflecting on this milestone, the Head of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau, Ms. Kimberley Lam, noted that “the upcoming hosting of MACHC 27 will provide an important opportunity for The Bahamas to advance national priorities in hydrography, nautical charting, and marine geospatial data management, while further strengthening collaboration among regional partners. I am particularly proud of the work undertaken by officers of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau over the past year, which has positioned The Bahamas to play a leading role in advancing regional cooperation. This effort will also support the continued enhancement of the country’s institutional framework for ocean governance, including the development of a more integrated and coordinated national approach to hydrographic services and maritime domain awareness, in line with international best practices.”

Through these engagements, The Bahamas has consistently advocated for the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), emphasising climate vulnerability, equitable access to ocean resources, and the need for enhanced, quality and relevant technical and financial support to strengthen national ocean governance systems.

Strengthening Ocean Management Frameworks at the National Level

At the domestic level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to play a key coordinating role in strengthening integrated ocean governance. The Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau has worked closely with national stakeholders, including the Bahamas National GIS Centre (BNGIS), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), the Ports Department, the Office of the Attorney-Genarl and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), to advance a more cohesive and effective approach to maritime management. This work has supported building capacity in hydrography, amplifying maritime domain awareness, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and supporting the continued development of legal and institutional frameworks to support effective ocean governance.

 

A Call to Action on World Oceans Day

The ocean is at the heart of our nation’s identity and future. Through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and active international engagement, The Bahamas will continue to champion the sustainable management and protection of our ocean resources. As World Oceans Day 2026 is observed, the Government of The Bahamas calls for renewed commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14, strengthened collaboration at all levels, and enhanced provision of financial resources, capacity-building, and technical support to advance the effective governance, protection, and sustainable use of the ocean.