The Ocean

The Air We Breathe

Our ocean’s phytoplankton - microscopic organisms that work tirelessly at the ocean’s surface - produce over half the world’s oxygen. A decade ago, Canadian researchers made headlines with an alarming study estimating ocean phytoplankton populations had dropped 40% since 1950 and were continuing to decline at a rate of around 1% per year.

Climate Regulation

The ocean is the planet’s climate engine. It absorbs heat and carbon, circulates energy through the ocean currents transporting warm water from the tropics toward the poles, cooler water to lower latitudes which maintains balanced regional climates, nourishes rain and oxygen systems influencing weather systems and rainfall worldwide, and serves as a buffer against extreme changes due to its high thermal inertia which holds and gradually releases immense energy, delaying the full impact of climate change.

Protecting the ocean is protecting our climate.

Biodiversity

The ocean is the ultimate cradle of life, occupying over 90% of the habitable space on the planet and serving as the largest reservoir of biodiversity. Coral reefs cover less than10% of the ocean yet provide shelter and breeding grounds for c. 25% of all marine life. Marine biodiversity isn't just about species, it powers essential ecosystem services such as marine plants generating more than half of our planet’s oxygen, blue carbon ecosystems sequester CO₂ at rates surpassing many terrestrial systems, and animals such as whale absorbing 30,000 kg of CO₂ each in their lifetime.

Our Medicine

The great biodiversity of marine microorganisms means they provide a rich source of biologically active compounds. The ocean has already contributed drugs to treat human disease including herpes, acute myeloid leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Life below water is now increasingly recognised for its production of new compounds for medical applications and resources including new antibiotics.

The Food We Eat

Over 3 billion people on the planet rely on the ocean for their protein which has well-documented human health benefits.

The Economy

Healthy marine ecosystems underpin billions of livelihoods and shield coastal communities through food provision, tourism, and natural storm buffers. The ocean is thus indispensable to human well-being. The annual gross marine product of the ocean totals US$2.5 trillion each year; if the ocean were a nation, it would rank as the 7th largest economy in the world.

Inspiration, Recreation and Wellbeing

The ocean is a source of profound inspiration, recreation, and well-being. Scientific studies show that time spent in “blue spaces” delivers significant positive mental effects. Beyond mere enjoyment, ocean activities have tangible physical health benefits as well as fostering community. Whether gazing at the horizon, whale watching or diving into the waves, the ocean helps us reconnect with nature and with each other, promoting mindfulness, resilience, and a shared sense of vitality.