Introduction
Keyword(s):
The oceans cover 71 per cent of our planet’s surface, create a vast globally connected fluid living space, and support a diverse array of life forms. The Introduction outlines the ocean environment’s role in providing essential services for human survival and well-being. They produce half of the oxygen we breath; stabilize our climate; sustain ecosystems that protect our coasts; provide us with abundant healthy food and with natural products for medicine and biotechnology; and support many forms of recreation and tourism. But all of this is under threat due to human activity. Action is required to create a more sustainable relationship with our oceans so that they can be restored and protected for future generations.