Persian Gulf Day Honored

The national day of the Persian Gulf was observed in Iran on Monday to highlight the significance of one of the world's key water body. 
Given the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf for Iran and following attempts to alter its name, April 30, which roughly corresponds to the historic recapture of the Strait of Hormuz from the Portuguese garrison in 1622, was designated as National Persian Gulf Day, the Department of Environment's news portal reported.
Thanks to its special geographical location and abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, minerals and foodstuff, this valuable body of water offers huge economic benefit for its littoral states. 
However, these very advantages have become its Achilles' heel, for they have led to constant environmental damage due to human activity.
  Environmental Hazards  
Population growth, urbanization, development of industries and unsystematic use of natural resources have caused great environmental pollution in the waters of the Persian Gulf, threatening marine life.
The heavy traffic of vessels that release dangerous chemicals into the water has resulted in above-standard levels of pollution. Urban and industrial wastewater adds to the problem. According to Ahmad Moradi, a lawmaker, some 700 liters of wastewater flows into the sea per second from the city of Bandar Abbas alone.