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Issues



Healthy oceans are vital for human life, for wildlife, and for the planet. Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface, produce about half of all the oxygen that we breathe, and act as the largest carbon sink in the world, playing a critical role in regulating climate. Oceans provide jobs and food for billions of people, and coasts serve as some of our most cherished places for outdoor recreation. We must protect and restore our oceans and coasts for our health, our economy, and our future.

  • In the same way that national parks protect wildlife, habitats, and open space on land, Marine Protected Areas sustain the diversity and abundance of ocean wildlife, and help create healthier oceans and coasts for us to enjoy.
  • Due to climate change, 60% of California’s beaches are highly vulnerable to sea level rise, and more than $150 billion worth of property may be at risk of flooding by 2100. However, nature-based solutions—such as the restoration of coastal wetlands and natural dunes—can help make our coast areas more resilient as seas rise and preserve them for people and wildlife.