Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. They flow over nearly three-quarters of our planet, and hold 97% of the planet's water. They produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and absorb the most carbon from it. They regulate the Earth system by transferring heat around the globe. They supply living and non living resources(fisheries , marine biotechnology ,minerals , renewable energy..). They provide social and economic goods and services(Tourism , recreation , marine transport..).. No matter how far from the shore that we live, oceans still affect our life and the lives of our families and friends, classmates and colleagues. The air that we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the products that keep us warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all come from or be transported by the ocean.

Biological products of the oceans are also commercially used. For example, pearls taken from oysters are used in jewelry, and shells and coral have been widely used as a source of building material. Oceans add to biodiversity.

Ocean water is processed to extract commercially valuable minerals such as salt, bromine, and magnesium. Although nearly 60 valuable chemical elements have been found dissolved in ocean water, most are in such dilute concentrations that commercial extraction is not profitable. In a few arid regions of the world, such as Ascension Island, Kuwait, and Israel, ocean water is desalinated to produce freshwater.

The oceans also are important for recreational use, as each year more people are attracted to the sports of swimming, fishing, scuba diving, boating, and waterskiing.

The sheer number of people who use and depend on the ocean, and the sometimes unwise practices we adopt, have created problems such as overharvest of resources, reduction in biodiversity, and degradation of marine habitats and species, among others. We risk the very ecosystems on which our survival depends. Ocean pollution, meantime, has escalated dramatically as those who use the oceans for recreational and commercial purposes, as well as those who live nearby, have disposed of more and more wastes there

On this eve of World Ocean Day , lets take a pledge to become better stewards of our oceans. Below are few ways to protect ocean:

1.Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices
3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year.
4. Help Take Care of the Beach
5. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
6.  Celebrate oceans. :Participate in activities that restore and celebrate oceans. Support organizations that work to protect oceans

            7. Influence Change in Your Community
Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.

           8. Travel the Ocean Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you?re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.

           9. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you?ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.

10. Choose alternatives to coral. Don't consume coral products, including jewelry or accessories for your saltwater fish tank.

Source :Protect planet ocean , photobucket