As the largest ecosystem on Earth, oceans are humans’ largest life support system. To survive and live well nourished, we need healthy oceans. Living humans need air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, scientific advancements, and a healthy climate to live in. Beyond that, we need to know we belong to something bigger than ourselves. We want a better future for those we care about. Help us protect the oceans and marine life.

Ocean plants produce half of the world’s oxygen, but these amazing waters absorb nearly one-third of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions. Oceans also regulate our weather and form the clouds that bring us fresh water. Besides seafood, oceans are connected to what you eat in many more ways. Ocean ingredients, like algae and kelp, are used in making peanut butter beer, soymilk and frozen foods. Plus, nearly a third of the world’s total catch each year is ground up to feed farmed fish, chickens, and pigs. Ocean ingredients are flowing out of your medicine cabinet in everything from shampoos and cosmetics to medicines that help fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, viruses and other diseases. Economically, over 15 % of jobs in the United States are marine industry related, grossing more than $128 billion in GDP annually from ocean tourism, recreation and living resources. Healthy marine habitats like reefs, barrier islands, mangroves and wetlands help protect coastal communities from the results of hurricanes and storm surges.

While many of us enjoy the spectacular recreational activities that oceans offer, for some people oceans are a lifeline for survival. Keeping oceans healthy keeps people healthy, and we each have a personal responsibility to protect our oceans