U.S. flag An official website of the United States government.
				Here's how you know we're official. **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure websites use HTTPS** A small lock or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to a .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Toggle navigation Toggle search National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 Search
					Search National Ocean Service


Home
				Ocean Facts

				Topics
					Explore All Topics 
                        Arctic 
                        Careers 
                        Economy 
                        Ecosystems 
                        Geodesy 
                        Hazards 
                        International
                        Navigation 
                        Observations 
                        Ocean 
                        Recreation 
                         Sea Level Rise 
                        Story Maps 
                        Tools
                
                			Education

				
				News
				Podcasts
				Video
				Images
				About Us


1. Home
2. Facts
3. Why should we care about the ocean?

**Why should we care about the ocean?**  Our ocean provides countless benefits to our planet and all the creatures that live here. *Our world ocean provides many benefits. Here are just a few examples. Want more? Browse through our pool of more than 300 ocean facts. With topics ranging from the ocean economy to microplastics to hydrography and even the depth of the ocean, there's sure to be a fact for everyone! Download this graphic and share it!*  The world ocean provides so many benefits. Here are nine things the ocean does for humans and the planet: **Climate regulation:** Covering 70 percent of the Earth's surface, the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns.
     
**Transportation:** Seventy-six percent of all U.S. trade involves some form of marine transportation.
     
**Recreation:** From fishing to boating to kayaking and whale watching, the ocean provides us with many unique activities.
     
**Economic benefits:** The U.S. ocean economy produces $282 billion in goods and services and ocean-dependent businesses employ almost three million people.
         
**Food:** The ocean provides more than just seafood; ingredients from the sea are found in surprising foods such as peanut butter and soymilk.
         
**Medicine:** Many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.
 **We have ocean videos, too!** *Visit Ocean Today for more than 100 videos on all aspects of the ocean realm—exploration and discoveries, marine life, science, and more.*  More **Information** Download Infographic Ocean Facts Ocean Infographics Ocean Today videos   Get **Social** Social
  **Last updated:** 06/12/23 **Author:** NOAA How to cite this article Contact Us


Feedback Provide Feedback
							Contact Us
							Report an error
 Social Instagram Logo/a>


*Science. Service.Stewardship.*
 About NOS About Us
							NOS Program Offices
							Media Inquiries
							Website Acknowledgements
                            Site Index
							Disclaimer
 More Resources Freedom of Information Act
							Accessibility
							Information Quality
							Privacy Policy
							NOS For Employees
							USA.gov
 Department of Commerce
									National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
									National Ocean Service