The Importance of the Ocean: Understand Everything About the Topic

We are living in the Decade of the Ocean: the UN (United Nations) has designated the period from 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The goal is to build a support structure for preservation, integrating science and policy.

This highlights the immense importance of the ocean, which goes far beyond maritime transport. Each year, new species of plants and animals living in the sea are discovered. Therefore, we need to understand the value the ocean has for life as a whole, in addition to learning how to preserve it.
With that in mind, we have created this article to address different aspects of the ocean and show the importance of this ecosystem for our planet. Enjoy the reading!

How many oceans are there in the world?

There are five oceans: the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Arctic, and Antarctic Oceans. However, the definition and classification of oceans have been a subject of debate among scientists.
Historically, in 1915, National Geographic, when starting its mapping activities, identified four oceans in the world: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic.

However, on June 8, 2021, marking World Oceans Day, the organization officially recognized the existence of a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean. This decision came more than a century after its first classification and reflects an evolution in geographical and scientific understanding.

Although the Southern Ocean had already been recognized by several countries in 1999, the lack of consensus among some nations in the International Hydrographic Organization delayed its official recognition.

The controversy revolved around the view of some geographers who considered the waters around Antarctica to be extensions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, arguing that they did not have enough distinct characteristics to be classified separately.

However, the now recognized Southern Ocean, which covers around 20 million square kilometers, is larger than the Arctic Ocean. It is unique because it is the only ocean that touches three others and completely surrounds a continent.

What is the largest ocean in the world?

According to National Geographic, the Pacific Ocean holds the title of the largest ocean in the world, occupying nearly one-third of the planet’s surface. It stretches from the Arctic in the north to Antarctica in the south and is bordered to the west by Asia and Australia and to the east by the Americas.

In addition to its vast size, the Pacific is also the deepest, with an average depth of 4,280 meters, and is home to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean, which reaches a depth of 10,984 meters.

But the Pacific Ocean is not only impressive due to its size. It is one of the main arteries of global maritime trade, hosting routes that connect the largest markets in the world, such as the United States, China, Japan, and Australia. More than 60% of international trade passes through these waters, highlighting its strategic importance for transporting goods that drive the global economy.

Additionally, the ports along the Pacific are among the busiest in the world. Locations such as Shanghai and Singapore play a crucial role in the global supply chain, receiving and sending millions of containers annually. This intense traffic reflects the relevance of the Pacific not only for the maritime industry but also for the integration between nations and the global economic development.

What are the most important oceans?

The Atlantic Ocean is one of the busiest, with significant flow for transporting people and goods between the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

The Pacific Ocean has been increasingly recognized as important for international trade and navigation, as it borders the coasts of Australia, Korea, China, and Japan, countries that have seen a rise in exports.

A notable example of this increase in exports is China, which, as pointed out by Valor Econômico, is on track to surpass Japan as the world’s largest exporter of automobiles.

This exponential growth in Chinese exports reflects a broader trend pointing to the future of the blue economy in Asia. The region is consolidating as one of the largest hubs for maritime infrastructure investments, both in CAPEX (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operating expenses). This includes everything from state-of-the-art ports to advancements in sustainable naval technologies that not only meet growing demand but also drive job creation in the maritime sector.

With Asian countries leading innovations and focusing on expanding their maritime capabilities, Asia is expected to play a dominant role in the future of the blue economy. This leadership will be driven by strategies focused on sustainable development, responsible ocean resource exploration, and the adoption of practices that integrate economic efficiency with environmental preservation, making the region a key pillar for global trade and the advancement of maritime industries.

What is the importance of oceans for the planet?

The seas perform a series of essential functions that make life on Earth possible, such as regulating the climate and generating oxygen. They also contain traces of all the chemical components that exist on the planet.

In addition, the oceans connect continents, enabling international trade and the flow of people for global tourism. Below are some of the key aspects that demonstrate the importance of the oceans.

Ocean transport

Without a doubt, one of the main points to highlight is the ability to use the seas for navigation by small, medium, and large vessels. These ships transport food and other essential items to all corners of the world.

There are some types of transportation in international trade that are carried out exclusively by sea. This is because a large ship, for example, can carry more cargo than a large airplane.

In this sense, maritime transport becomes one of the most important means for international logistics. According to UN data, 90% of goods traded worldwide are transported by ships.

Food

Another important impact that oceans have on human life is related to the diversity of food that can be extracted from the seas. Many regions depend exclusively on this sector. The consumption of seafood, for example, generates a large movement in the global market.

Minerals, resources, and wealth

The minerals produced by the sea, essential for human life, also form part of the relationship that shows the importance of the ocean. Furthermore, the seas contain invaluable natural resources for humanity, such as oil and gas.

Oxygen for the life of humanity, fauna, and flora

The oceans nourish 80% of life on Earth, generating 50% of the oxygen we breathe. Additionally, they absorb 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions we continuously release into the atmosphere, acting as an ally against the greenhouse effect.

This absorption occurs when the air meets the water. The wind then generates waves and turbulence, helping the CO₂ to mix with the surface and gradually penetrate deeper waters until it is fully absorbed.

Regulation of the planet’s temperature

Another point that deserves attention is the ocean’s ability to regulate Earth’s temperature. According to data, it was responsible for absorbing 91% of the planet’s warming.

However, the constant emissions of greenhouse gases are raising the planet’s average temperature, increasing sea levels, and causing ocean acidification.

Biodiversity

There is such a wealth of species in the sea that many of them have yet to be cataloged. However, this biodiversity is threatened by climate change and the predatory use of the oceans.

In this regard, the High Seas Treaty, adopted by the UN in June 2023, calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Tourism, fun, and leisure

In some regions—especially in Brazil—the oceans have beautiful beaches that are used for fun, relaxation, and sports during the warmer months, contributing to global tourism.

Our beaches are world-renowned for their calm waters, pleasant temperatures, and stunning landscapes that blend with the terrestrial ecosystem through cliffs, forests, and other types of vegetation.

The preservation of these beach areas is also crucial for maintaining the health of the oceans and ensuring that the other functions of the so-called “Blue Amazon” are not harmed.

3 curiosities about the oceans and maritime transport

The oceans, in addition to being vital for the planet’s balance, play a crucial role in global maritime transport. Check out some curiosities:

1. World Oceans Day

To raise awareness about the importance of the oceans and the need for urgent, joint initiatives to preserve this ecosystem, June 8th has been established as World Oceans Day.

2. Types of vessels

In maritime transport, there are various types of vessels. The most commonly used are:

• General Cargo Ship
• Tanker
• Bulk Carrier
• Roll-on, Roll-off (for live cargo, chemicals, etc.)

3. Types of navigation

The main types of navigation that occur in the oceans are:

• Cabotage – carried out between points within the same territory via maritime routes.
• Long-distance – between national and foreign ports.
• Inland – carried out in inland waterways and national routes.
• Maritime support – aims to support vessels and installations in national territorial waters.
• Port support – carried out exclusively in ports and waterfront terminals to assist vessels and the port itself.

Now that you understand the importance of the ocean, you can help raise awareness among others so they too can comprehend the value of this ecosystem and the need for sustainable use of its resources.