Protecting Our Oceans and Ourselves
People are relying more on our ocean for food, energy, transport, and other natural resources. Learn how scientists and local communities are protecting the world's oceans.
Aerial views of the St. Martin Island in Michigan, USA (2013-10-01) by Mark Godfrey/TNCThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Why is the ocean so important?
No matter where we live, the ocean is essential to our lives. It supplies 50% of the oxygen we breathe and is the home to fish and other species that provide food and income for more than three billion people. But the world is changing fast, and the ocean needs our help.
We’re seeing rapidly growing demand for food, energy and water for the more than 7 billion people on our planet and that means more pressure on the ocean and its resources. Meanwhile, our changing climate is leading to more environmental concerns. With half the world’s population living on or near coastlines, these changes are affecting our food, livelihoods and safety.
How is the changing climate affecting our coastlines?
Erosion
Our changing climate is leading to more intense storms, which cause landscapes to change through erosion. These storms bring higher waves and stronger winds, which gradually can move sand, soil, or land!
Flooding
Sea level rise affects coastal inland communities through storms and high tide events. These events lead to more frequent flooding, as seen here.
Luckily, scientists and coastal communities are using natural resources to help protect and restore our coastlines. Their efforts are helping lower the risk of severe damage by increasing coastal resilience: the ability of a community to resist damage from hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding, and to bounce back afterwards.
Let's see some examples of how coastal resilience works.
Oysters Growing on the Mangroves near Punta Gorda, Florida (2013-10-25) by Carlton Ward Jr.The Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Mangroves
These amazing plants help protect coastlines from storm damage, shelter young marine wildlife, and reduce floods by absorbing water!
Grand Isle Barrier Island located in the Gulf of Mexico (2014-02-05) by Erika NortemannThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Barrier Islands
Protecting and supporting barrier islands help keep storms from damaging coastline communities by creating a natural buffer, which can protect coastlines.
Using Reefblk™ a reef design made from American steel and recycled oyster shells, The Nature Conservancy and its partners created 3-4 miles of oyster reef habitat along the Grand Isle shoreline with the goal of protecting and restoring shoreline habitat and creating living oyster reefs as a sustainable option for reducing erosion of coastal marshes, protecting communities from storm surge.
Sunrise with Flamingos in Mexico (2022-09-01) by Roger Lara/TNC Photo Contest 2022The Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. From early in the day, these American flamingos are already feeding on the wide variety of crustaceans and phytoplankton that they find in the salt flats of the Yucatan marshes.
Now that we have learned about how our land can be protected, what about other resources like food? How does food production harmful for the ocean?
Smoked Fish Sold in the Local Market in Lambarene, Gabon. (2014-12-08) by Roshni LodhiaThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Overfishing and declining fish populations
Overfishing is a global concern for fish populations due to demand. In Gabon, their lakes are dangerously overfished and to manage this pressure, people living around Lake Oguemoué have turned to The Nature Conservancy to help them form and expand community fishing associations.
How is food production on land affecting the ocean?
Full view of a Restored Oyster Reef (2009-05-12) by Daniel WhiteThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Aquaculture through oyster reefs
Oysters have the ability to filter water at an amazing rate. They also need little resources to survive and create a natural barrier against storms and high tide events!
Virgin Oyster Company in Great Bay in Durham, New Hampshire. (2020-10-15) by Jerry and Marcy MonkmanThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Benefits of shellfish farming
Shellfish have the ability to filter nitrogen, eat algae to keep algae blooms low, and improve water quality. These benefits can help accelerate the restoration of coastal ecosystems.
Farming Seaweed in Route to Mulutseribu Seaweed Farms, Indonesia (2015-07-08) by Kevin ArnoldThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Aquaculture through seaweed farming
Seaweed has a lot to offer for coastal communities. They are used in soaps and cosmetics, easy to grow, and they even capture carbon which helps towards climate change. This seaweed farm is found in Indonesia
Sustainable Seaweed Farm in Belize #2 (2022-06-19) by Jennifer AdlerThe Nature Conservancy's Nature Lab
Seaweed farming in Belize
In Belize, seaweed is popular in drinks and there's market for making soaps and cosmetics with seaweed. It has become a valuable crop. It grows quickly, and can capture large amounts of carbon - an estimated 20 times more than the same sized area of a forest!
How can you help the ocean? Let's learn how together!
You can learn more about how to protect our oceans with Nature Lab's virtual resources!
Virtual Field Trip - Protecting Our Oceans and Ourselves
Teacher's Guide
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