Our oceans cover over three-quarters of our planet and hold 97 percent of Earth's water. What many people don't realize is that our oceans and seas are fragile and are being put at risk by many different factors such as rising sea temperatures, over fishing, and pollution. The following are seven reasons that we must save our oceans.
1. Tourism and Recreation
Many countries all over the world depend on the ocean and their beaches for tourism to fuel their economies. Recreation in the form of scuba diving, sailing, diving, surfing, and many others bring in a lot of income for these countries. Without having healthy and clean oceans, all of these tourist and recreational spots around the world would fall through and hurt the finances of many nations.
2. Transportation
Many economies rely on our oceans for transportation to import and export goods between countries. Bad weather and pollution can make this travel dangerous and risky.
3. Homes
About a tenth of the world's population lives in coastal regions. Many factors that can affect our oceans and beaches such as pollution can potentially expose people to toxins and chemicals that can negatively impact our health.
4. Biodiversity
Our seas and oceans contain the largest source of biodiversity on the planet. Oceans contain many species of beautiful fish and plant life and even some mammals. Unfortunately, many of these harmless creatures are facing extinction because of human disturbance and global warming.
5. Water
As mentioned earlier, 97 percent of our Earth's water comes from our oceans. Humans cannot survive without water, and the ocean also contributes to our freshwater supplies by using its water by helping replenish some freshwater supplies.
6. Food
Billions of people around the world consume seafood as a major part of their intake. Without our oceans being healthy, our food may be contaminated with poisons.
7. Oxygen
Prior to the contrary belief, the ocean is actually the main source of oxygen that our bodies require to survive. As the oceans become threatened, life on Earth become more and more at risk. Life on Earth simply cannot survive without healthy oceans!
