Marine Biodiversity Ocean ecosystems cover 71% of Earth's surface and support extraordinary biodiversity, from microscopic phytoplankton to the blue whale, Earth's largest animal. These interconnected systems provide critical services including oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and food security for billions of people. Marine environments range from coral reefs, which harbor 25% of marine species while covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, to deep-sea hydrothermal vents hosting unique extremophile organisms. These ecosystems face unprecedented threats from climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction, with approximately 33% of marine mammals and reef-building corals now threatened with extinction.

Conservation Approaches Ocean conservation employs diverse strategies to protect marine biodiversity while supporting sustainable human activities. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) restrict harmful activities in ecologically significant regions, with research showing properly managed MPAs increase fish biomass by an average of 446% compared to unprotected areas. Sustainable fisheries management implements science-based catch limits, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures to maintain healthy fish populations. Restoration projects rebuild damaged habitats through coral farming, seagrass replanting, and artificial reef structures that provide foundations for marine life recovery. International agreements address transboundary challenges including plastic pollution, shipping impacts, and climate change effects on ocean chemistry and temperature. Shutdown123