How Do Oceans Influence Human Life?

Some influences that the ocean has on human life are obvious. Even if you have never visited the ocean, you probably know that people fish and hunt seafood for sustenance, that the ocean provides transportation for goods and people, and that it provides opportunities for recreation, such as private boat charters. However, the ocean also has other influences that, although they are less obviously observable, affect every living thing on Earth, including humans, even those that live far away from its shores.

Equatorial ocean waters absorb heat from the direct rays of the sun. Ocean currents transport this warm water to polar regions, which helps to regulate the planet's temperature. Without the oceans, many areas of the earth's surface would be uninhabitable because of temperature extremes of either hot or cold.

The warmth from the sun causes ocean water to evaporate and form clouds. These are pushed about by winds over landmasses and, as they cool and condense, result in rain. Though ocean water itself is not good for drinking, there would be no fresh water to drink without the oceans.

Coral reefs absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. Between 50% and 80% of all the oxygen available to breathe comes from the ocean.

Are Our Oceans in Danger?

The oceans are in danger, and it is largely because of human activities. Plastics that reach the ocean from further upriver do not biodegrade. They have collected in one area called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which just floats on the water and keeps getting bigger. Marine animals sometimes mistake plastics for food and can choke on them. Plastics in the water can break down into tiny shards called microplastics that can build up in the bodies of animals, the long-term effects of which are not yet known.

Plastics and other forms of pollution cause ocean water to become more acidic. This causes marine life, including coral, to die. As coral dies, it is unable to absorb as much carbon dioxide, meaning an increase of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. This causes the temperature of the ocean to increase, which also contributes to the death of marine life and increasing temperatures all over the world.

What You Can Do To Conserve Marine Life

Fortunately, because human activities caused the problem, it is within humans' power to improve it. The first thing you should do is to learn as much as possible about the ocean. Whale watching in California is a good way to gain firsthand knowledge, but you can also gain informational materials from your local library.

Other things you can do in the interest of ocean conservation include the following:

• Participate in cleanups of beaches, parks, or rivers

• Improve your home's energy efficiency

• Drive less to reduce pollution

• Limit plastic use and recycle those you do use

Taking steps such as these helps ensures that you and your family will be able to enjoy whale-watching and other marine activities for many years to come.