International Ocean Institute - USA

                                                                                              Photo by Jen Sharp

Throughout history humankind has been influenced by the endless beauty and splendor of the ocean.  We have long been called to the ocean to venture out to find new lands, new species, new medicines, and new hunting grounds.  Having explored more of the moon, the further we delve into the ocean depths, the greater we realize how very little we know about its vast resources.

Covering 71% of the planet and absorbing more carbon dioxide than the rainforests, we depend on the ocean as a source of food and much of the air that we breathe.  Yet our dependence on the ocean and its seemingly endless resources is now having dire effects.  With the rise in carbon dioxide the sea is warming and becoming more acidic as it absorbs more than half of our carbon output into the atmosphere.  Our ever escalating population and consumption demands more food from our already depleted fisheries, increases the need for more marine transport, and continues to expand our carbon footprint.

The health of the ocean is vital to human health and to that of the planet.  What you do no matter where you live effects the ocean, and the ocean effects you wherever you are.  Today, with the majority of the population living within 60 kilometers of the coast we are stressing the coastal environments and coastal communities are more at risk from natural and human induced degradation and natural disasters.  The International Ocean Institute-USA promotes sustainable use of ocean space and resources through awareness creation, education, information dissemination, training and community initiatives.