100 ways we’re connected to the Ocean

And on World Ocean Day, we put out a statement that included the following quote: “We are in reach of a whole new relationship with the Ocean, a wiser, more sustainable relationship. The choice lies with us.”

To celebrate this epic milestone, and to honour one of the greatest figures in conservation history, we’ve put together a list of 100 ways that humans are connected to the Ocean:

1. Half of all the oxygen people breathe is produced by phytoplankton in the Ocean.
2. People and the Ocean are both part of the water cycle. Every time you flush your toilet, have a shower, or wash your dishes, you are connected to the Ocean.
3. The Ocean is a significant carbon sequester, which regulates the climate.
4. People swim in the Ocean for pleasure.
5. Ocean currents regulate and influence weather patterns.
6. People fish for food and recreation.
7. People need water to drink to survive and every glass you drink was once part of the Ocean.
8. People sail on the Ocean.
9. 90% of global trade involves shipping goods across the Ocean.
10. People conduct marine research in the Ocean.
11. People snorkel in the Ocean.
12. Human beings evolved from marine-based animals.
13. People go rockpooling near the Ocean.
14. The Shipping Forecast exists because of the Ocean. It was established in response to a tragic storm in the Irish Sea in 1859, when 133 ships went down and more than 800 people drowned.
15. People beachcomb next to the Ocean.
16. People surf in the Ocean.
17. People paddle board on the Ocean.
18. People sing sea shanties.
19. The Ocean is a major source of salt.
20. Negative ions are molecules that have an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. These occur naturally in environments such the Ocean (as well as waterfalls and in forests), and are believed to improve the mood, cognitive function, respiratory health, and sleep quality of those who come into contact with them.
21. People scuba dive in the Ocean.
22. Ambergris from whales is used in perfume manufacturing as a fixative. This substance is produced in whales’ digestive systems and is collected from shores where it washes up.
23. Coastal erosion from the Ocean impacts human settlements…
24. … and Ocean habitats like reefs and seagrass meadows protect us from coastal erosion!
25. Marine ecosystems regulate atmospheric chemistry through the production of biogenic volatile organic compounds.
26. The Ocean stores heat, which helps to stabilise global temperatures.
27. Minerals like magnesium are harvested from the sea water.
28. People create wind farms in the Ocean.
29. Wave and tidal energy are generated in the Ocean.
30. Pearls and other Oceanic artifacts are used to create jewellery.
31. People harvest seaweed for food.
32. Sand and gravel from the Ocean are used in construction.
33. Marine enzymes are used in biotechnology.
34. The Ocean provides us with iodine derived from kelp, iodine is often used as an antiseptic.
35. Shells have often been used decorative and sacred items in cultures around the world.
36. Seaweed is an ingredient used in cosmetics and skincare products.
37. Aquariums provide up-close connections to marine animals you wouldn’t otherwise get to experience and teach us how important the animals in our Ocean are.
38. Aquariums provide better wellbeing and support good mental health.
39. There are internet cables are under the Ocean, that connect us to Ocean communities overseas.
40. People take holidays that involve the Ocean such as, cruise ships, wildlife experiences and conservation.
41. Without the Ocean, there never would have been pirates!
42. Shells were used as currency in indigenous cultures.
43. People recreate at the beach.
44.  The Ocean is 70% of the Earth, humans are 70% water.
45. Alginates from seaweed are used in food, typically as a thickening agent.
46. Oceans enabled human migration…
47. …and migration patterns are influenced by Ocean access.
48. According to the Blue Mind Theory, being near or in the Ocean has mental health benefits, and can lead to increased alpha brainwave activity, reduced cortisol levels, and a lower heart rate, resulting in relaxation and stress relief.
49. Algae are used to feed livestock.
50. Leather can be created from fish skin.
51. Proteins from jellyfish are used in biotechnology.
52. Marine archaeology helps us understand the past.
53. People use minerals from the sea in bath salts.
54. Seaweed is used as fertilizer in agriculture.
55. During the “Age of Discovery” (from roughly the 15th to the 17th century) global exploration could only happen by travelling across the Ocean. This includes the exploration of people like Charles Darwin, whose Theory of Evolution wouldn’t otherwise exist.
56. Navigation techniques were developed because of marine travel.
57. Many myths feature the Ocean or marine deities. Examples include mermaids and the mighty kraken!
58. Maritime traditions play a big role in identities and cultures.
59. People put buoys, docks, and jetties in the Ocean.
60. There are countless examples of art and literature inspired by the Ocean.
61. Human populations tend to cluster near coasts.
62. Tides influence human behaviour, including activities like foraging, sailing, and recreating.
63. Whalebone (baleen) was historically used in corsets to provide flexible but sturdy support.
64. Political powers across the world meet to tackle targets to achieve Ocean sustainability.
65. Squid ink is used as a dye and in food.
66. People produce chitosan, a biodegradable polymer, from shells.
67. Glass is made from sand from the Ocean.
68. Shipwrecks become reefs.
69. Algae can be turned into biofuel.
70. People make nourishing face masks using sea mud.
71. In some parts of the world people need to drink desalinated Ocean water.
72. The Ocean is a huge source for inspiration in art, craft and design.
73. People gig row on the Ocean.
74. The Ocean provides minerals which are used in fertilisers and industrial processes.
75. People use fabric fibres derived from seaweed.
76. Some space exploration gear is tested in the Ocean.
77. Ocean ports are often economic hubs.
78. Washed up cuttlebones are used for moulds in craft.
79. Coral sand is used in land reclamation projects.
80. Bromine, which is used as a water disinfectant, can be extracted from seawater.
81. Sonar technology came from our exploration of the Ocean.
82. Seaweed farming produces sustainable materials like biodegradable polymers.
83. Inland communities work to support planning decisions that protect areas from flooding and benefit the Ocean. One of the ways they do this is by supporting our Motion for the Ocean.  
84. Oyster shells are crushed up and added to soil to aid plant growth.
85. Artwork or furniture is made from driftwood.
86. Shells are used in lime production and soil conditioning.
87. Sponges historically came from the Ocean.
88. People make musical instruments from Ocean artifacts, like conch shell horns.
89. People use data collected in the Ocean in disaster warning systems for storms, earthquakes and tsunamis.
90. People water-ski on the Ocean.
91. National cuisines evolved due to spices and other foods transported on the Oceans; for example, the potato was introduced to the UK from South America
92. Sea spray makes clouds. Aerosols from sea spray act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice-nucleating particles, which means they literally create clouds by causing cloud droplet and ice crystal formation.
93. Spending time near rivers, connects people to the Ocean as all rivers lead to the sea.
94. The Ocean provides people with a diverse range of jobs and livelihoods.
95. People without direct access can connect to the Ocean using VR and other technology.
96. People stroll on coastal paths.
97. Technology and charities like ours allowed us to works to improve accessibility for people to connect with the Ocean via virtual reality, beach boardwalks and beach buggies.
98. Jacques Cousteau was referring to the Ocean when he said “We only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught”
99. Sea water swimming has been proven to improve physical health, including enhanced cardiovascular fitness, reduced inflammation and skin health due to minerals like magnesium, potassium and iodine.
100. WE PROTECT AND CONSERVE THE OCEAN FOR ALL!