See the Staggering Impact Humans Have Had on the World's Oceans
-->Almost 80% of the world's marine fish stocks are now fully exploited, overexploited or depleted.
-->Rising temperatures are remaking the map of the oceans. As polar ice retreats, the Northwest Passage could become an economically viable sea route. But consequences for pristine Arctic regions could be devastating. Increased shipping traffic could lead to more black carbon deposits on ice and snow, and higher risk of fuel leakage or spills.
-->The world’s oceans are warming at a rate faster than previously estimated, according to a study in Science released in early January. Melting Arctic ice pours an estimated 14,000 tons of water every second into the earth’s oceans, making it the biggest contributor to rising seas. Antarctic warming is also a contributor. This iceberg calved off Antarctica, adding to rising sea levels as soon as it slipped off the land mass and began to float. Overall, according to NASA, seas are rising by around 3 mm each year.
-->Ocean pollution—including vast amounts of plastic waste that cannot break down—is particularly hazardous for marine wildlife.