The Importance of our Oceans

Oceans are the world’s most valuable resource. They cover over three-quarters of our planet and hold 97% of the world’s water! Oceans produce more than half of the oxygen in the world’s atmosphere and absorb the most carbon from it.

Besides providing the air we breathe and water we drink — oceans also transport important things such as food, clothing, and even people!

Did you know that almost half the world’s population lives along a coastal zone? This means almost half the world relies on ocean-based businesses and tourism. It’s estimated 500 billion dollars of the world’s economy comes from these businesses.

Unfortunately, the pollution we create and practices we adopt have led to overfishing, reduction in biodiversity and the destruction of marine habitats and species.

Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate as the world’s temperature rises. The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing one of the largest die-offs in recent history. Corals are important because they provide shelter and food for many marine species.

One way to help our oceans are designating Marine Protected Areas (MPA). The largest MPA in the world is currently in Antarctica. The Ross spans over 600,000 miles and is now protected from commercial fishing for the next 35 years.
The Ross Sea, its shelf and slope only comprise 2% of the Southern Ocean but they are home to 38% of the world’s Adelie penguins, 30% of the world’s Antarctic petrels and around 6% of the world’s population of Antarctic minke whales.

Hawaii is also home to a protected area of ocean. Papahānaumokuākea is a sanctuary for endangered species, including blue whales, short-tailed albatrosses, sea turtles, and the last Hawaiian monk seals. It contains some of the world’s northernmost and healthiest coral reefs, considered among the most likely to survive in an ocean warmed by climate change. The seamounts and sunken islands of its deeper waters are inhabited by more than 7,000 species, including the oldest animals on Earth—black corals that have lived for more than 4,000 years.

It is important we all appreciate the benefits our oceans and do our best to protect them in any way we can!

NORTH SHORE SHARK ADVENTURES

Haleiwa Harbor
66-105 Haleiwa Rd
Haleiwa, HI 96712

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