Oceans remain one of the key parts of the climate system that are poorly observed and understood. We need to remedy this with observations and research. We could not function as we do without these kinds of fundamental ecological services that oceans and their many habitats provide. Unfortunately, we frequently take these services for granted and are surprised by their collapse. When these ocean systems become overloaded with nutrients for example, or the linkages between ocean species are disrupted by introduced or non-native organisms, these ecological services can change quickly and dramatically with serious consequences.
Oceans are also superhighways for moving commerce.
For example, over 98 percent of all foreign trade in and out of the U.S. is by ocean transport. Today this trade accounts for more than 20 percent of our nation's gross domestic product. This number is expected to increase to 30 percent by the year 2000. Modern, efficient port facilities and accurate navigation tools are critical to moving this ocean cargo safely and quickly. Oceans are also generators of commerce.