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Why are the Oceans Important?
We can make a long list of how the oceans and marine life are important to us
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Estuaries are brackish water systems that empty their waters into the world’s oceans, and support
many, many fish and other organisms
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In the estuary, the sea-grasses provide protection to juveniles and food for herbivore
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Sea-grass beds, mangroves and coral reefs are crucial to providing protection against shoreline
erosion and flooding
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Without coral reefs and estuaries, our oceans would lose many, many organisms that are
important to both humans and other marine life

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The continental shelves and ocean floor are home to many important minerals, including oil and
natural gas
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The outer continental shelf
contains more than 50 percent of the nation’s remaining undiscovered natural gas and oil
resources
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Transportation:
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Not only are oceans important to sustain life, but also for moving materials that we use
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Without commercial ships and barges, transportation of goods from place to place would be
much more difficult and expensive
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As the air passes over warm waters, it rises due to warming
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 If the air passes over cooler waters, it cools and sinks
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 Warm air moves with the Gulf Stream of the Ocean toward northern Europe
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One of every six U
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jobs is marine-related, and more than 66% of the world’s population lives
within 100 kilometres of the coastline
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Many of the foods and products that we eat, or use as medicine contain ingredients from the sea
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Great care is being taken in the research of marine-based drugs to prevent the depletion of
important natural marine resources
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Climate Regulation: Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing and
storing vast amounts of heat from the sun and distributing it around the globe through ocean currents
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Oxygen Production: Phytoplankton, tiny marine organisms, produces more than half of the world's
oxygen through photosynthesis, making oceans vital for the air we breathe
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Biodiversity: Oceans support an incredibly diverse array of life forms, providing habitat for
numerous marine species, from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales
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Food Source: Over one billion people rely on seafood as their primary source of protein, making
oceans essential for global food security
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Economic Value: Marine resources contribute significantly to the world economy, supporting
industries such as fishing, shipping, tourism, and offshore energy production
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Carbon Sequestration: Oceans absorb and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate
the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere
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Weather Patterns: Oceans influence weather patterns and precipitation by releasing moisture into
the atmosphere, affecting regional climates
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Transportation: Oceans facilitate international trade and travel by serving as a major transportation
route for goods and passengers through maritime shipping
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Medicinal Potential: Oceans are a potential source of new medicines and compounds, with marine
organisms offering opportunities for medical research and drug development
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Recreation and Aesthetics: Oceans provide recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, and
snorkeling, and their natural beauty and serenity contribute to the well-being of many people
worldwide
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Coastal Protection: Oceans act as natural buffers, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges,
and extreme weather events, which is especially important in the face of rising sea levels due to
climate change
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Carbon Cycle: The oceans are a significant component of the global carbon cycle, helping regulate
the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is crucial for maintaining the Earth's overall
climate balance
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Recreation and Tourism: Coastal areas and marine environments attract millions of tourists each
year, supporting local economies and providing recreational opportunities like scuba diving,
snorkelling, and beach vacations
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Cultural Significance: Oceans hold immense cultural importance for many coastal communities,
influencing traditions, livelihoods, and spiritual practices
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Maritime Trade: Approximately 80% of global trade is transported by sea, making maritime
shipping a vital aspect of the global economy and interconnectedness of nations
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Climate Research: Oceans serve as a vast data source for climate research, providing insights into
past climate patterns and helping scientists understand and predict future climate changes
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Renewable Energy: Ocean-based renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms, tidal
energy, and wave energy, offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and contribute to a greener
energy mix
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Water Cycle: Oceans play a significant role in the Earth's water cycle, contributing to the
evaporation and precipitation processes that provide freshwater resources to land areas
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Global Connectivity: Oceans connect people and cultures worldwide, fostering international
cooperation, collaboration, and exchange of knowledge
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Ecosystem Services: Oceans provide essential ecosystem services, including water purification,
nutrient cycling, and habitat creation, supporting a wide range of life and contributing to the overall
health of the planet
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