Join the global movement to conserve marine ecosystems, protect endangered species, and ensure sustainable oceans for future generations.
Start Making a DifferenceOnly ~340 individuals remain. Major threats include ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat degradation due to climate change.
Population has declined by 80% over three generations. Threatened by illegal trade, coastal development, and plastic pollution.
Populations have declined significantly due to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. Essential for marine ecosystem balance.
Often called the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
Threats: Ocean warming, acidification, pollution, overfishing
Mangroves provide crucial nursery habitats for many marine species and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.
Threats: Coastal development, aquaculture, climate change
These underwater forests provide food and shelter for thousands of marine species and help mitigate climate change by absorbing CO₂.
Threats: Warming waters, pollution, overgrazing by sea urchins
This is the sunlit top layer of the ocean where most marine life lives. Photosynthesis occurs here, making it the foundation of most ocean food webs. Temperature ranges from near freezing to about 30°C (86°F).
Marine Life: Phytoplankton, zooplankton, most fish, sea turtles, marine mammals
Also known as the twilight zone, this layer receives minimal sunlight. Many creatures here have evolved bioluminescence to communicate, find prey, and avoid predators. Pressure increases significantly with depth.
Marine Life: Lanternfish, hatchetfish, viperfish, squid, and many bioluminescent species
The midnight zone is completely dark except for the light produced by organisms themselves. The pressure is crushing, and temperatures are near freezing. Food is scarce, so many animals have large mouths and sharp teeth to capture any available prey.
Marine Life: Anglerfish, gulper eels, deep-sea jellyfish, and giant squid
The abyssal zone is characterized by near-freezing temperatures, extremely high pressure, and complete darkness. Despite harsh conditions, life persists around hydrothermal vents that provide chemical energy rather than sunlight-based energy.
Marine Life: Deep-sea cucumbers, sea pigs, tripod fish, vent crabs, and tube worms
This zone includes the deepest ocean trenches. The pressure is over 1000 times standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Life here is sparse but specialized, with organisms adapted to extreme conditions.
Marine Life: Snailfish, amphipods, foraminifera, and extremophile bacteria
Switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Avoid single-use plastics that often end up in our oceans.
Support sustainable fishing practices by choosing certified sustainable seafood and avoiding overfished species.
Participate in local beach cleanup events or organize your own to remove harmful debris from coastal areas.
Lower your carbon emissions to help combat ocean acidification and climate change impacts on marine life.
Vote for leaders who prioritize ocean conservation and support legislation protecting marine ecosystems.
Support marine conservation organizations through donations, volunteering, or participating in citizen science projects.
Working to protect the ocean from today's greatest global challenges through science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and wildlife.
Visit WebsiteWorld Wildlife Fund's ocean conservation programs focus on sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate change solutions.
Visit WebsiteU.S. federal agency responsible for the stewardship of national marine resources through scientific research and management.
Visit WebsiteCampaigning for ocean sanctuaries, sustainable fishing practices, and protection from plastic pollution and climate change.
Visit Website