Endangered Oceans

Life in the world's oceans is endangered–in coral reefs, in marshes and wetlands, in bays and harbors, and along our coastlines. Scientists have become increasingly concerned about the health of the oceans and the loss of diversity among marine species worldwide. Once-prolific marine environments have suffered over the past century from human activities, including overfishing, coastal development, pollution, and runoff.

Marine environmental problems vary around the globe, but the overall diagnosis is the same: The oceans have been injured and may be on the verge of even greater ecological damage. Scientists report that many marine populations and habitats are reaching the point at which even small disturbances can cause big changes. It's clear that a threat to one species can have ripple effects upon an entire ecosystem.

In this video edition of Explorations, we join researchers from the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps as they lead investigations in efforts to understand the complex ways in which marine organisms interact with one another, their environment, and humans. As these reseachers learn more, they are finding better ways to address threats to ocean life through education, communication, and application of strategies to promote conservation of biodiversity.

SCRIPPS OCEANOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MEMBERS