13 facts that prove the ocean is pretty much the most amazing thing ever
Did you know that 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by ocean? Despite that fact, the ocean represents the great unknown – most of it has never been explored by humans.
Here’s what we do know: Oceans give life to the entire planet – and they’re in trouble. Keep reading to discover more incredible ocean facts, and find out how you can help save them!
Super surprising ocean facts
- Ever wonder why the ocean’s blue? It’s all about the sun’s rays – the ocean absorbs the shorter red and orange rays, but reflects back the longer blue ones.
- Parts of the ocean are unfathomably deep, which is one reason why so little of it has been explored. For example, Mount Everest could easily fit in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known part of the ocean.
- Believe it or not, there are rivers, lakes, mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls down below the water’s surface!
Oceans affect your everyday life – even if you live nowhere near one
Think the ocean is only good for swimming, fishing, and photos? Think again – its impact on your daily life is massive:
- Over 70% of our planet’s oxygen is produced by the ocean. Maybe we can’t breath under water, but we need the ocean to breath!
- The ocean also regulates rainfall, droughts, and floods. If you’ve ever wondered what controls the weather, look to the ocean.
- Believe it or not, the ocean is key to keeping the internet online! Communications companies feed cables throughout the ocean to create international connections. Who knew the internet had to be shark-proofed?
Why we can’t get enough of marine animals
Another thing we love about our oceans is the creatures who live in them. We bet you don’t know these mind-boggling marine animal facts:
- About 94% of Earth’s species are aquatic. Marine biologists believe we’re only aware of a fraction of all marine species – we’re discovering new ones every day.
- Antarctic fish create their own natural, built-in antifreeze!
- Belugas are considered the “canaries of the sea”. The have a special language all their own, and are known for all their super-adorable chirps and squeaks.
- Dolphins have names! They use “signature whistles” to refer to each other – and each whistle is unique.
- Sea turtles have been around since a land before time – they co-existed with dinosaurs.
- Also, sea otters. Need I say more?
Easy ways you can help protect our oceans
Our favorite way to help save the oceans? Go plant-based! Overfishing presents a huge threat to our waters, so do some damage control by cutting down on seafood consumption.
Here are even more ways you can help:
- Reduce your carbon emissions – the ocean can’t absorb all the carbon modern-day humans produce, and this plays a big role in climate change. Take public transportation, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, go easy on your thermostat, and consider installing renewable energy sources in your home.
- Skip the (plastic) straw, and cut out other single-use plastics while you’re at it!
- Get one of our Protect Our Oceans, Protect Our Future tees to help spread the word. Plus, 10% of the profits go to animal rescue and environmental organizations!
- Support organizations like Oceana – they’re working hard to save our oceans, but they can’t do it alone.
Find out more about protecting our waters:
