The ocean is one of Earth’s largest and most important natural resources. It regulates rainfall and drought, holds 97% of the planet’s water and absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is home to a huge diversity of life and is essential for human health, including food, jobs and recreation.
The sea provides a vital source of protein for billions of people, and it is a major contributor to our economy. Fish and crustaceans account for around 16% of the global animal protein supply. They provide a rich variety of nutrients to our bodies, which in turn helps us grow and develop as well as prevent many diseases.
It is also home to a large amount of marine wildlife, such as whales and dolphins. There are 226,000 species known to live in the ocean and new ones continue to be discovered.
There are five main oceans: the Pacific, Indian, Arctic, Atlantic, and Southern (or Antarctic). The oceans encircle the world and are divided by continents.
Most of the world’s population lives along coasts, where the ocean plays a major role in their livelihood. They rely on the ocean for transportation, commerce and trade, as well as fishing, aquaculture and tourism.
We also use the sea for transport, such as ships and boats. These transport millions of tons of cargo each day across the globe.
The marine economy relies heavily on the ocean’s rich resources and is essential for livelihoods worldwide, particularly in developing countries. However, challenges such as climate change and pollution continue to put maritime resources at risk.
As a result, the health of the marine ecosystems, and our ability to depend on them for survival, are under threat. This can have an impact on the number of marine species, their population and habitats.
This is why we need to take steps to protect our oceans. It’s also why it’s crucial for us to learn about the ocean and how to manage it in a sustainable manner.
We can do this by engaging in a range of activities that encourage us to get out and explore our local waters and shores, as well as learning more about the marine organisms that inhabit them. We can also help reduce the impact of human-induced changes to the marine environment through actions such as reducing plastic litter in our beaches and on land.
Our children should spend at least a few days a year enjoying the ocean’s beauty and exploring its underwater ecosystems. They should also learn about the role that the ocean plays in regulating rainfall and droughts, keeping the carbon cycle in balance, and providing us with freshwater for drinking and farming.
In addition, we should be aware that our lifestyle and use of the ocean’s resources are changing, causing ocean acidification and other harmful impacts. This is why it’s important to educate our children and help them understand how they can play a part in preventing the loss of the marine ecosystems that make up the majority of our planet.