Ocean Health is Our Health
Gathering
Two thirds of the surface of the earth is covered by the oceans. Millions of species live in them, providing a vital source of protein to people on every continent. In addition, they play a significant role in the climate, water cycle, and many other aspects of our planet's life, that allow us to comfortably inhabit it. Yet it is human actions which are responsible for affecting these ecosystems strongly; through overfishing, pollution & acidification to name a few, we are not just harming the waters and its species but actually altering weather patterns.
We can live on the planet because the oceans absorb 90 percent of the additional heat trapped in our thickening atmosphere due to carbon pollution. While these vast bodies of water produce more than half of our oxygen needs, they also provide the primary source of protein for over a billion people.
Despite the general public "sympathizing" with the ocean's inhabitants plights for survival, the greater impact of a shifting food chain, changing temperatures and rising sea levels, seem to be less understood.
Our survival requires the oceans. However, we must be able to utilize the maritime domain in order to maintain the health of the ocean and ensure that the next generation will be able to not only reap its benefits, but co-exist and serve it.
