National Oceans Month
June is National Oceans Month. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , the ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface and contains 97 percent of the planet's water. It supports marine life and ecosystems, provides much of the oxygen we breathe, drives weather patterns, and affects climate . The ocean also provides jobs in the fishing , tourism , and energy industries.
The Earth's ocean is generally described as several separate oceans, but these waters comprise one global, interconnected body of salt water:
- Pacific Ocean - separates Asia and Australia from the Americas.
- Atlantic Ocean - separates the Americas from Eurasia and Africa.
- Indian Ocean - washes upon southern Asia and separates Africa and Australia.
- Southern Ocean - encircles Antarctica and covers much of the Antarctic.
- Arctic Ocean - covers much of the Arctic and washes upon northern North America and Eurasia.
For more information on oceans, please visit the following links:
- Ocean Explorer
- Frequently Asked Ocean Questions
- Keeping Our Oceans Clean and Safe
- Healthy Swimming/Recreational Water: Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers
- Ocean, Great Lakes, and Coastal Research
- International Ocean Issues: Oceans, Fisheries, and Polar Affairs
- Aquarius: Underwater Ocean Laboratory
- Ocean Dead Zones
- Ocean Acidification
- Ocean Observing System
- National Ocean Council (NOC)
- Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE)
Additional Resources: