The Maritime Environment

Tropical Coral Reefs:  Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems found in shallow, warm water oceans all over the world. Called "rainforests of the sea" because of their extensive biodiversity, the health of modern coral reefs is threatened by a complex array of environmental hazards.  Many countries have established Marine Protected Areas to protect and conserve these unique underwater communities.

​

The Sargasso Sea:  Atmospheric winds and sea currents shape the mid-Atlantic Ocean into a unique marine ecosystem called the Sargasso Sea.  This area, first described by Christopher Columbus, is home to a fascinating array of interesting plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

​

Our Polar World:  The two polar regions of the world are dramatically different.  The Arctic is a maritime world, dominated by the sea.  In contrast, the Antarctic is a continental regime whose environment is controlled by a large land mass.  While indigenous animals and people have lived in the Arctic for centuries, the harsh climate of the far south is inhabitable for land animals or humans without outside support.

​

Marine Protected Areas:  Marine protected areas are special places set aside for the conservation and protection of endangered species, sensitive habitats, and cultural heritage.  Human activity in these areas is often restricted or forbidden by law.  There are more than 6,500 marine protected areas in the world, covering more than 2% of the world’s oceans.  

​

Stewardship of the Ocean:  Oceans are the source of life on earth.  They shape our climate, feed the world, and cleanse the air we breathe.  They carry 90% of global commerce and provide new forms of energy.  Today the oceans are confronted with a dizzying array of threats.  Their future, and our future as well, depends on effective multinational stewardship of the maritime world.

​