The ocean covers three-quarters of the earth’s surface and represents 99% of the living space on the planet by volume.

The ocean contains nearly 200,000 identified species but actual numbers may lie in the millions.

The ocean absorbs approx. 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, shielding us from the impacts of global warming.

We are seeing a 26% rise in ocean acidification since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

80% of marine litter is from land-based sources.

8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year and never truly goes away. This is the equivalent of a dump truck of plastic being emptied into the ocean every minute.

Over 3 billion people depend on marine eco-systems for their livelihoods and as their main source of food. At the same time 30% of the world’s fish stocks are overexploited and are now below the level at which they can reproduce at sustainable levels.

Globally the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at US$3 trillion per year, which is approx. 5% of global GDP.