Oceans Basics
This covers about 70% of Earth’s surface.
THE OCEAN
These animals are often harmed by plastic bags mistaken for jellyfish.
Sea Turtles
The most common type of waste found in oceans.
Plastic
Catching too many fish too quickly is called this.
overfishing
Using reusable bags instead of plastic helps reduce this.
ocean pollution
This gas is produced in large amounts by ocean plants like phytoplankton.
OXYGEN
This process happens when corals lose color due to stress.
coral bleaching
Oil spills mainly harm these two groups.
marine animals and coastal ecosystems
This climate change effect causes sea levels to rise.
Global warming
These rules limit how many fish can be caught.
fishing quotas
The largest ocean on Earth
Pacific ocean
The largest animal in the ocean.
Blue Whale
This term describes harmful substances entering water.
Water pollution
This industry can harm oceans through pollution but also raise awareness.
tourism
Recycling helps reduce this type of waste in oceans.
plastic waste
This term means the variety of life in the ocean.
marine biodiversity
Fish populations decrease when this happens too much.
overfishing
Microplastics are dangerous because they are this.
small plastic particles that enter food chain
Coastal habitats like mangroves protect against this natural disaster.
storms or flooding
Planting mangroves helps protect coastlines and marine life—this is called what
What is conservation
These areas are protected to conserve marine life.
marine protected areas (MPAs)
Tiny ocean organisms that form the base of the marine food chain.
Plankton
This human activity leads to increased carbon dioxide causing ocean acidification
burning fossil fuels
Countries working together to protect oceans is called this.
international cooperation
Switching to renewable energy helps reduce this ocean problem
climate change / ocean acidification