Fascinating Ocean Facts

We rely on the ocean for so much: clean air, sources of protein, healthy recreation, and endless inspiration. We’d be remiss not to mention we also depend on it for our business. Through our corporate sustainability program, SeaChange®, we closely manage our sourcing, operations, labor, and greenhouse gas emissions to help protect it. Our goal is to change seafood for good. In honor of Earth Day, we’re diving into some of our favorite facts about this miraculous body of water.

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface. 

Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by this body of saltwater. 

Marine species account for 94% of all life on Earth.

Considering that the ocean covers the majority of the planet, it’s no surprise it also contains such a high percentage of life forms. 

The ocean regulates the planet’s climate. 

The ocean regulates how much C02 is in the atmosphere. It absorbs, stores, and releases greenhouse gasses, which makes it like a global climate control system.

The ocean provides over half of the oxygen we breathe.

It’s estimated that 50-80% of the planet’s oxygen comes from marine photosynthesis. Just counting the photosynthetic plankton found on the surface layer of the ocean, these microscopic creatures can produce more oxygen than all of the world’s largest redwoods. 

The longest mountain range in the world is found under water. 

The Mid-Oceanic Ridge is a continuous mountain chain that’s over 34,797 miles long, and runs along the center of the ocean basins. 

The Mediterranean Sea is over 5 million years old. 

About 5.33 million years ago, a massive flood resulted in what is now known as the Mediterranean Sea.

The Pacific Ocean is wider than the moon.

At its widest point, from Indonesia all the way to Colombia, the Pacific Ocean stretches over 5 ½ times the width of the moon.

The deepest known area of the Earth’s oceans is known as the Mariana Trench.

Its deepest point measures about 6.8 miles, which is the distance of approximately 120 football fields end-to-end, pointing straight down.

The ocean is home to the world’s largest living structure.

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is home to a wide range of ecological communities, habitats, and species, and is one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world. It’s so massive that it’s visible from outer space.