On 8th June, National Institute of Oceanography Pakistan celebrated 14th World Ocean Day on this year’s theme “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”. Veteran scientist and luminaries of Ocean Sciences from around the world were invited in the hybrid event /seminar to present their talks and share their experiences on the theme of the day.

The proceedings of the day began with the Recitation from The Quran followed by National Anthem of Pakistan. The Seminar included the video message of Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin Executive Secretary, IOC & Assistant Director General, recorded for NIO’s Ocean Day, online presentation by Dr.Patricia Milosovich, Executive Director SCOR on title “The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) Developing Capacity and Advancing Ocean Sciences through International Cooperation Since 1957”. She presented her talk and presentation along with a brief video on the different collective oceanographic programs SCOR has undertaken in which scientists around the globe have participated.

This was followed by a talk by Mr. Muhammad Tahir, Marine Geophysicst on the topic “From Pixels to Picture – Ocean Mapping under Seabed 2030.Prof. Qing He, Professor ENCU & Director SKLEC P.R China spoke on the “Mega-Delta Programme” – an endorsed Programme of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.” Dr. Saima Aijaz ,Research Scientist, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Australia presented on “Numerical Models for Ocean Forecasting, Storm surges, Cyclones and Coastal Erosion” focusing on the global Ocean observationsystems. Mr. Justin Ahanhanzo Programme Specialist, IOC UNESCO talked on the “InternationalLiaison and its Value”.

Dignitaries from National Institutions, Scholars and Researchers from the Academia and Research organizations were present at the seminar in person while there was a substantial international audience connected virtually to show solidarity and the value of global actions across sectors.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan approved the appointment of DR. SAMINA KIDWAI as the regular DIRECTOR GENERAL (BS 21) of the National Institute of Oceanography Pakistan. She has taken charge of office on 7th January 2021 for a period of 3 years.

Profile: Professional Marine Sciences (Biological Oceanography) research experience of over 29 years, 24 years at NIO with more than 15+ years of post-doctoral experience. Research interests include Biological Oceanography, (zoo)plankton ecology, bio-physical interactions and coastal deep sea interface and its effects on plankton ecology, food-web dynamics using biomarkers, developing Marine Bio-Geographical Information Systems (Marine BioGIS) for Pakistan and for the Northwest Arabian Sea, island and deltaic ecosystems and the impact/resilience to climatic variability on marine ecosystems, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Member of the NIO team in several international research initiatives and national consultancy projects. Interested in National Capacity Building & Strengthening in Ocean Sciences for Pakistan, and Pakistan preparedness for International programs such as the UN SDG14, Blue Economy, UN OCEAN DECADE program 2021-2030 & IIOE-2. Involvement in International Scientific diplomacy and national coordination for progress in oceanography. Visiting scientist in several countries. Represented Pakistan at several International fora, made oral presentations: Belgium, Bermuda, China, Denmark, India (SAARC), Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Sri-Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America. Private International travels also include- Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UAE, K.S.A. Received YOUNG SCIENTIST CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION IHDP, IGBP,WCRP, Washington, USA, Best oral presentation at Islamic Network Oceanographic Commission (INOC), Lebanon; First Prize for best speaker at the SAARC “Training on Multidisciplinary Oceanographic Observation for Coastal Zone Management at Goa, India. Coordinator of two International collaborations of NIO. Currently, Project Director of a Public Sector Development Project, GOP. Has more than 60 scientific publications (scientific journals/peer reviewed with impact factor, recognised, book chapters, project/technical reports, press releases, general interest articles etc.)

Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Science & Technology visited the National Institute of Oceanography on 11th March, 2022. The Minister inaugurated the Integrated Physical Oceanographic Laboratory (IPOL) at NIO and Dr. Samina Kidwai, Director General, NIO briefed the Minister about the PSDP project "Monitoring the Sea Water Intrusion, Sea Level Rise, Coastal Erosion & Land Subsidence Along Sindh and Baluchistan". This project is listed in the Prime Minister's Performance Agreement.


The Integrated Physical Oceanography Lab at NIO Physical Oceanography section will act as a nucleus where all Physical parameters and associated data will be received and analyzed with the help of the latest technology.



The efforts made by the Scientists and Technicians of the National Institute of Oceanography and the project team in the field of Ocean Science were appreciated by the Honorable Minister with the hope that the Institute will continue to flourish and expand its research activities. Federal Minister for Science and Technology also visited various laboratories of the Institute and briefly met with the scientists and discussed the research being carried out by them.
The Minister emphasized that the NIO's project findings will provide very important baseline data which will ultimately help assess damages, and provide the basis for suggesting and formulating policies for mitigating the Sea water intrusion, Sea level rise and mapping of land subsiding zone along the Pakistan coast.


Group photo of Honorable Minister with NIO officer’s and staff members