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Over 3.7 billion years ago, life on Earth was born in the oceans. Since then, their size and composition, as well as the organisms living in them, have continued to change and evolve.  Within their expanse lies a world of wonders — coral forests, mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and even deserts. From tiny bacteria and algae to mammals, fish, and birds, our oceans are teeming with life. But despite centuries of study, much of its biodiversity remains a mystery. 

Humankind has relied on the oceans for eons, but not until the last few centuries have our activities become a real threat. Pollution, overfishing, mining, and the destruction of the oceans’ richest areas, are leaving a mark that is difficult to erase. 

Protecting the oceans is vital for the health of our planet, our survival, and the well-being of countless species. While the reasons seem endless, here are five reasons to protect our oceans.  

BIODIVERSITY

Our oceans are home to possibly as many as 2.2 million species, from iconic wildlife like the great white shark and the blue whale to some of which we haven’t even discovered yet! 

The Great Barrier Reef – the largest living structure – is home to over 12,000 species alone. But threats like overfishing and climate change are putting our oceans and marine wildlife at risk. And without significant changes, by 2100, more than half of the world’s marine species will be threatened with extinction. Protecting marine wildlife protects the very balance of already delicate ecosystems. 

FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS

About 740 million people are nutritionally or economically dependent on the ocean. Fish are a key animal protein source for over 3 billion people.

Overfishing, however, depletes many of the world’s fish populations. In fact, almost 10 million tons of fish are tossed overboard each year from fishing practices. But sustainable fishing and responsible fisheries management can help ensure fish populations recover. These efforts are essential for those who depend on healthy and abundant oceans for food and livelihoods.  

HUMAN HEALTH

Did you know healthy oceans are also good for human health?Sea whips have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Multiple species of sponges around the world contain chemicals that have been used to make anti-virals. The sea squirt even inspired a cancer drug! 

While these are just a few examples – they all have something in common. They all come from animals that are slow-growing, benthic (found on the seafloor), sessile (rooted in one spot), or some combination of these traits. But the areas where animals like this are found are often at risk of threats like deep-sea mining or bottom trawling. Protecting our oceans from destructive fishing practices and acts that disrupt delicate habitats can in turn help us. 

RECREATION AND TOURISM

Every year, millions flock to our coastlines. Whether to surf, swim, whale watch, or just enjoy some time on the beach, the coasts play a significant role in tourism. But with ocean temperatures rising, and coastal development on the rise, the tourism that economically fuels these communities and brings joy to millions is at risk of collapsing.  

CLIMATE REGULATION

Our oceans play a critical role in climate regulation. In fact, the oceans actively help protect us from the worst impacts of climate change, absorbing more than 90% of all the excess heat trapped on Earth by greenhouse gas pollution in recent decades. And without the oceans absorbing that heat, life on Earth would have been made impossible a long time ago. Unfortunately, ocean policy is often overlooked in discussions of climate action and solutions. But we can turn the tide by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and allowing our oceans to do what they do best – sustain life.