The ocean connects us all. From the air we breathe to the food we eat; our magnificent ocean touches every aspect of our daily lives. Each year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) celebrates our shared ocean throughout the month of June. The United States contains a diversity of ocean and coastal environments that are important parts of our national heritage and character. Our ocean and coasts provide places to live, work, and play, drive our nation’s economy, and support a wealth of biodiversity.

Fifty years ago, in response to growing public concern about the state of our environment, Congress enacted banner legislation designed to protect our nation’s ocean and coasts. The legislation has been critical in shaping ocean and coastal conservation and stewardship for the past five decades, and will continue to shape how we protect the ocean for future generations.

Take time to learn more about our oceans this month, starting with these fun facts from NOAA (link to video: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/30days/).

Did you know?

• The ocean is where life began over 3.5 billion years ago.
• The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and includes over 96% of the Earth's water.
• Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and can be seen from the moon!
• The deepest part of the ocean is in the Mariana Trench, and nearly 7 miles beneath the waves!
• Coral reefs cover only 1/50th of the ocean floor but about one quarter of all the marine species make coral reefs their home.
• No light penetrates the ocean at depths greater than 3,280 feet.
• Aided by deep diving rovers and remote sensing cameras, scientists are still discovering new species beneath the waves.
• The Gulf Stream transports more water than all the Earth's rivers combined.
• The mid-ocean ridge crisscrosses the globe for over 40,000 miles and is the largest geological feature on Earth.
• Did you know that about 95% of the ocean remains unexplored?

Join NOAA all month to learn even more about why healthy oceans matter including what you can do to protect coral reefs, how coastal economies contribute to our national economy, and the importance of coastal resilience after hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding. Visit NOAA’s 50 years of ocean and coastal conservation website to learn how you can help raise awareness about ocean conservation and learn more about what you can do to love your ocean and coasts.

Please also see the Presidential Proclamation on National Ocean Month, 2022.