Planet Ocean

Humans have a surprisingly opinionated perception of planet ‘Earth’. Nearly 71% of its surface is covered in Water, and a view from space of the Pacific side reveals hardly any land at all. We have no ingrained understanding of the Oceans processes –as a terrestrial species, we are familiar with the structures of land, because it supplies us with food and other resources.

The Oceans harbor a peculiar little molecule: Water

Life on Earth probably originated in the oceans, because of the unique properties of this liquid marvel. With few exceptions, water is the only naturally occurring fluid on this planet, it defines the physical limits and the distribution of earth’s Flora and Fauna. It is the fundamental element of life, as we know it. Water not only provides habitats for an immense diversity of life forms, but also a base for essential chemical processes.

Present condition of the Oceans

Today, the oceans are in a perilous state. After centuries of human activities, commercial fish species are facing extinction, ecosystems deteriorate continuously and ocean governance is still highly fragmented. In recent years, tens of thousands of kilometers of Coral Reefs have bleached, as a direct result of increased sea surface temperatures. Even though the capabilities of humans to massively influence marine systems should have been known since the late 1800s, when the Steller’s Sea Cow was hunted to extinction, marine conservation did not become an issue until the 1950s.

Ending the tragedy of the commons

Our response to the loss of the marine environment has been slow, reactive and intermittent. Most Oceans are still viewed as a global commons resource, so there is almost no incentive for any one nation to initiate costly, but necessary changes. Early efforts were, and still are, focused on single species protection (e.g. whales, sharks), or single out a particular threat (e.g. oil, mercury).  Fortunately, more and more management efforts are focusing on ecosystem based approaches, integrated coastal zone management, and marine protected areas; which promise to integrate human activities, sustainable development and ecological systems¹.

Importance of Oceans

Globally, the oceans are the:

• main reservoir of water. 71% of planet Earth is covered by Ocean, only 0.5% is freshwater
• major habitat for organisms; they make up over 99% of the habitable volume of Earth
• main reservoir of oxygen
• probably the main producer of oxygen (phytoplankton)
• main thermal reservoir and regulator
• prime reservoir of carbon dioxide (CO2)
• home for a stunning diversity of life, from bacteriophages to whales
• the only place you’ll find coral reefs¹

Learn more about the Oceans