Bargains abound in the oceans, but hidden costs can hurt economies and environments locally and globally. Throughout the world, people depend on ocean products and services for livelihoods, health, and recreation. Check out the global benefits of ocean foods, products, and services here.

Living Resources

• In 1993, 98 million tons of fish came from oceans--70% of it for human consumption. §
• World consumption of seafood exceeds that of either pork or beef. §
• One billion people in Asia receive all of their animal protein from fish. §
• In 1993, the U.S. commercial catch of fish and shellfish was worth almost $3.7 billion. §
• Worldwide, an estimated 200 million people depend on fishing for their livelihood.
• More than 90% of world marine fish catch comes from the 10% of the oceans closest to land. §

Non-Living Resources

• If all ocean salt were dried, it would cover the continents to a depth of 5 feet. §
• If mined, the gold suspended in seawater would yield 9 pounds (4.1 kg) per person on earth. §
• The seas hold a mineral bonanza, from arsenic to zinc. §

Ships

• Of world trade, about 80% by volume is carried by ships. §
• In 1990 there were 78,336 ships that could carry at least 10,000 cubic feet of cargo. §
• A ship goes farther on 1 gallon of fuel than a plane, truck, or train with the same load. §
• There are more than 7000 ocean-going military vessels in the world. §

Tourism/Recreation

• In 1991, 8.9 million saltwater anglers spent $5 billion on travel and equipment. §
• SCUBA diving is a world industry worth $2.5 billion annually. §
• Internationally, cruises generate a $10-billion industry annually. §

Coastal Zone

• Exclusive Economic Zones grant exclusive rights over resources within 200 nautical miles of a nation's shores. The U.S. has the largest EEZ. §
• The surface area of the U.S.'s 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone is 25% larger than U.S. land area. § More than half the world's 5.6 billion people live within 60 miles (96 km) of a coastline. §
• There are 372,384 miles (597,270 km) of coastline in the world; Canada with 15% has most of it. §

Aquaculture

• One-third of fish farming (more than 4 million tons harvested) takes place in bays or the open ocean. §

Oil and Gas

• In the last 40 years, U.S. outer-continental-shelf natural gas production grew from .7% to 27% of total U.S. production, while oil grew from .1% to 13%. §

Pollution

• More than half of ocean pollution worldwide comes from runoff and land-based discharges. §

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428
Judith Gradwohl, Smithsonian Institution (Curator/Ocean Planet)