Ocean Facts

Here’s a taste of what’s fascinating in 2025’s ocean and conservation world:

• Ocean Plastic Crisis: The oceans now hold an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste, with 33 billion pounds (about 15 million tons) added annually. Shockingly, there could be 10,000 times more plastic on the seafloor than at the surface, out of sight but not out of harm’s way.

• Climate Giant: The ocean absorbs more than 90% of the Earth’s excess heat and about 23% of human-caused CO₂ emissions, acting as a massive buffer against climate change—yet this comes at a cost, with acidification and warming threatening marine life and ecosystems.

• Coral Emergency: The world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event, the most widespread and intense on record. Over 80% of reefs globally, in at least 83 countries, have been affected since 2023, and 90% of the Great Barrier Reef was bleached in 2024—a stark reminder of the urgency to act.

• Marine Protection Gap: Only 8.4% of our oceans are designated as protected areas, far short of the 30% target for 2030. Meanwhile, overfishing and illegal fishing continue to deplete fish stocks, threatening food security and livelihoods.

• Life from the Deep: All life began in the oceans, and even today, they’re Earth’s largest ecosystem—covering 71% of the planet and home to nearly a million known species (with many more undiscovered).

• Seagrass Superpower: Seagrass meadows absorb 35 times more CO₂ than rainforests, yet these vital habitats are disappearing due to pollution and coastal development.

These facts highlight both the incredible value of the ocean and the urgent need for smarter, bolder action