Why should we care about the ocean?

The world ocean provides so many benefits. Here are nine things the ocean does for humans and the planet:

• Climate regulation: Covering 70 percent of the Earth's surface, the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns.
• Transportation: Seventy-six percent 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, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.