Photograph by Enric Sala Understanding Our Relationship With the
Ocean Over half the world’s population lives within 120 miles of
the coast, yet most of us view the ocean as a thing of beauty,
of mystery, or simply a place to vacation. The truth is that the
ocean is critical to life on earth. Our health and the health of
the planet depends on a healthy ocean. By exploring how a
healthier ocean can sustain life now and for future generations,
we can choose to take action. Everyone can make a positive
change and, in doing so, inspire others to act as well—to create
and be part of the solutions that will secure our future and
that of the planet. The Ocean Initiative at National Geographic
Our vision is a healthy and productive ocean that benefits
people and nature. Our work is focused on restoring the health
and productivity of the ocean through a variety of innovative
approaches and partnerships that will: - magnify the application
of marine reserves, the most powerful tool for ocean
restoration; - replace the