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Our Ocean

Why should we care about it?

infographic showing benefits of the ocean; text content of graphic can be found in the image caption

Our World Ocean Provides...

The air we breathe: the ocean produces over half of the world's oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. Climate regulation: covering 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns. Transportation: 76% of all U.S. trade involves some form of marine transportation. Recreation: From fishing to boating to kayaking and whale watching, the ocean provides us with many unique activities. Economic benefits: the U.S. ocean economy produces $282 billion in goods and services and ocean-dependent businesses employ almost three million people. Food: the ocean provides more than just seafood; ingredients from the sea are found in surprising foods such as peanut butter and soymilk. Medicine: many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, athritis, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease. Download this graphic and share it!

30 Day Countdown in Celebration of National Ocean Month and World Ocean Day:

sea lion post credit: Claire Fackler, NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries

Happy National Ocean Month!

Celebrate the beauty and wonder of our ocean.

See more ocean images

Rip currents often form at low spots or breaks in sandbars.

Rip Current Awareness

Do you know what to do if caught in a rip current?

Facts about Rip Currents

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Underwater Glider Map

See where underwater gliders are located around the nation.

View the Map

Learn about, explore, and protect your ocean--our ocean(NOAA)

Celebrate and Protect

Celebrate and protect the ocean with us on World Ocean Day!

Read the Post

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National Trails Day

Explore a 760-mile East Coast water trail.

Learn More

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World Ocean Day

Celebrate with a video from NOAA's Ocean Today!

Watch the Video

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Ocean Exploration

Why does ocean exploration matter? Here are six reasons.

Explore

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Nominate a Sanctuary

You can nominate new marine sanctuary location!

Learn More

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Alien Oceans

Are the oceans on other planets? Get the facts.

Read

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Marine Protected Areas

What is the largest marine conservation area in the world?

Explore MPAs

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Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidity dissolving tiny snails' protective shells.

Visit Climate.gov

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National Get Outdoors Day!

Why not celebrate today by heading outdoors?

Find a site

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Saving Sea Turtles

Watch how turtle excluder devices protect sea turtles.

View Ocean Today Videos

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World Sea Turtle Day

What is the largest sea turtle?

Get Ocean Facts

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Oceanography Merit Badge

What better way to celebrate the ocean than with an oceanography merit badge!

Read our Story

egret in an estuary

Help Protect Our Estuaries

Simple things you can do to help protect and conserve our nation's fragile estuaries.

See What You Can Do

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NOAA View

Explore NOAA ocean data including sea surface temperature, ocean heat content, and bathymetry.

Explore NOAA View

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Smarter Charters

Heading out to see whales, dolphins, or corals? Practice proper ocean etiquette!

Learn More

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Tides and Currents

Where do you go to get tides and currents data?

You Go Here!

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Mobile Sites & Apps

Get ocean and coastal info on the go with NOAA apps and mobile-friendly sites.

Go Mobile

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Recreational Boating Resources

Heading out to sea? NOAA Offers Free Nautical Products for Fun and Safety.

Find Out More

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Coral Reefs

What ocean basin has the most corals?

View Ocean Facts

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Garbage Patch

What do you know about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Our audio podcast has the details.

Listen

lionfish

King of the Reef

Listen to our podcast to learn more on this invasive species.

Listen

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ENOW

Get data on the ocean and Great Lakes economy.

Check It Out

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Blue Ocean

Ever wonder why the ocean is blue?

Read More

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Our Ocean

Why should we care about our ocean?

See Why

More Information
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