0 OCEAN LITERACY Essential Principles & Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Science PRINCIPLE 6

1 REVISION HISTORY DateVersionRevised ByDescription Aug 25, VLOriginal

2 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE 6 6 The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

3 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(a) The ocean affects every human life. It supplies freshwater (most rain comes from the ocean) and nearly all Earth’s oxygen. It moderates the Earth’s climate, influences our weather, and affects human health. The Ocean Affects Every Human Life The ocean supplies: Freshwater (rain) Oxygen The ocean moderates and influences: Climate Weather

4 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(b) From the ocean we get foods, medicines, and mineral and energy resources. In addition, it provides jobs, supports our nation’s economy, serves as a highway for transportation of goods and people, and plays a role in national security. The ocean provides: Water Foods Medicines Minerals Energy resources (e.g. oil and natural gas) It also provides: Jobs – e.g. fishermen, sailors, oil rig workers Supports our nation’s economy – e.g. food, energy resources Serves as a highway for transportation of goods and people Plays a role in national security

5 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(c) The ocean is a source of inspiration, recreation, rejuvenation and discovery. It is also an important element in the heritage of many cultures. The ocean is a source of: Inspiration Recreation (e.g. swimming, scuba diving, sailing) Rejuvenation Discovery It is also important in the heritage of many cultures E.g. Cayman Islands – food, fishing, boat building, tourism

6 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(d) Much of the world’s population lives in coastal areas.

7 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(e) Humans affect the ocean in a variety of ways. Laws, regulations and resource management affect what is taken out and put into the ocean. Human development and activity leads to pollution (point source, non-point source, and noise pollution) and physical modifications (changes to beaches, shores and rivers). In addition, humans have removed most of the large vertebrates from the ocean. Humans Affect The Ocean 1. Pollution – putting hazardous materials into the ocean Sewage Runoff Warm water Fresh water Noise Plastic 2. Physical Modification – changes to beaches, shores & rivers Development Erosion 3. Over-Exploitation – taking out too much from the ocean Over-fishing Wasteful practices

8 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(f) Coastal regions are susceptible to natural hazards (tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, sea level change, and storm surges). Coasts Susceptible To Natural Hazards - Low Lying Tsunamis Hurricanes/Typhoons Cyclones Sea Level Changes Storm Surges

9 6 | THE OCEAN AND HUMANS ARE INEXTRICABLY INTERCONNECTED 6(g) Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean. The ocean sustains life on Earth and humans must live in ways that sustain the ocean. Individual and collective actions are needed to effectively manage ocean resources for all. Caring For The Ocean We are all responsible for caring for the ocean Practical Ways You Can Help Reduce your carbon footprint – e.g. use energy-saving light bulbs Change habits – e.g. walk, bike, take public transport if possible Reuse and/or reduce use of certain materials (e.g. plastic), recycle Improve understanding and education