The Ocean covers over 70% of the surface of planet Earth, creating our climates by moving heat from the equator to the North and South poles. The Ocean produces 50% of the air we breathe, and stores 30% of all of our carbon emissions. For nearly 3 billion people fish is the main source of protein. Over half the population of the world lives within 100km of the coast. Sea grass beds, coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands act as natural defenses to protect coastlines and their inhabitants . About 850 million people live within 100km of a coral reef; benefiting from the cultural, social and economic services it provides. 200 million jobs worldwide are provided by Marine tourism, tourism is the largest industry in the world. The ocean generates £1.88 trillion per year, underpinning assets make the total value at least £15.55 trillion. Increasing sea temperature and destructive fishing are the greatest threats. The inhabitants of ecosystems living closest to the surface of the Ocean are the most threatened. Species of fish utilised by people have decreased by 50%; marine invertebrate populations have declined by 49%. Overfishing now threatens 1 in 4 species of sharks and rays with extinction. 20% of mangrove cover has been lost worldwide. 1/3 of fisheries are overfished. 1.2 million sq. km of ocean floor have been covered by mining licenses. 250,000 tonnes of plastic, in 5 trillion pieces is in the sea. Dead zones created by nutrient run off are increasing. Coral reefs have declined by 50 % in the last 30 years; by 2050 coral reefs will be dead if global warming continues. A meager 3.4 % of the Ocean is protected, even less is managed effectively.
