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Oceans

 
The ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface and contains 97 percent of the planet's water. The ocean plays an integral role in many of the planet's systems including climate and weather. The ocean supports the life of nearly 50 percent of all species on Earth and helps sustain that life providing 20 percent of the animal protein and 5 percent of the total protein in the human diet. Considering these and many more incredible statistics about the ocean, it goes without saying that it is one of the most important entities on Earth to protect from environmental harm. (Source: NOAA / Photo: Flickr)

Recent Stories


Shark fishing banned in the Maldives

Thu, Mar 11 2010 at 12:52 AM EST

Territorial waters off the Maldives will be made into a shark sanctuary.


Academy gives the hook to dolphin-saving signage

Tue, Mar 09 2010 at 11:18 PM EST

When dolphin activist Ric O'Barry held up the 'Text Dolphin' sign, 'The Cove' producers got the boot during their Oscar acceptance speech.


Growing low-oxygen zones in oceans worry scientists

Tue, Mar 09 2010 at 1:24 PM EST

Global warming could be changing underwater ecology and harming marine life.


Watch: Rise Above Plastics

Mon, Mar 08 2010 at 1:47 PM EST

The Surfriders Foundation is promoting Rise Above Plastics, an initiative to bring attention to the great damage plastics causes to sea life. Check out their latest, greatest ad.


Plight of Pacific Salmon uncertain

Video: A strong salmon run is not only key for communities in the Northwest and Canada, it's also a primary source of food for more than 100 species. Tom Brokaw reports.


Diver saves shark trapped in Frisbee

Video: Amazing footage shows a diver in Florida removing a plastic Frisbee-type ring from around a nurse shark.


Cruise ship passenger: Wave ordeal was terrifying

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 8:43 AM EST

A Louis Cruise Lines ship was hit with three consecutive waves more than 33 feet tall that killed two passengers and injured 14.


Japan says it would ignore bluefin tuna ban

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 8:12 AM EST

As top consumer of the rapidly declining bluefin, Japan says it would continue trading with other countries that also opt out of international limits.


France's sea walls no match for ocean

Wed, Mar 03 2010 at 12:05 PM EST

Atlantic coastal towns are under water after serious storms, and environmental groups say it should be a wake-up call about weak sea defenses.


Oceans are new front in fight against global warming

Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 1:04 PM EST

United Nations Environment Programme launches Blue Carbon initiative to help harness the power of the oceans as huge carbon stores.

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