9 Crazy Facts About Our Ocean

Happy World Ocean Day! We know the ocean is amazing, but here's a good lesson for you AND your kids:

Here are some amazing facts from the NJ Sea Grant Consortium.

1.The blue whale, the largest animal on our planet ever (even bigger than the largest dinosaur!!!), has a heart the size of a Volkswagen Beetle!!! So here are even more facts to help keep our oceans clean and safe for us humans AND the whales and other sea life.

2. Plastic straws are one of the top items found during beach clean-up. They harm sea life and don't deteriorate. So teach yourself to say "No straw, please," when dining out.

3. Despite all of this, less than 10% of the ocean has been explored by humans and each day, our actions impact the ocean and its inhabitants.

4. The ocean covers nearly three-quarters of Earth's surface

5. Without the ocean, Earth would be uninhabitable.

6. The ocean regulates climate. Without the ocean, Earth would be too hot during the day and too cold at night.

7. Nearly every drop of water you drink comes from the ocean, and the ocean holds about 97% of all the water that is on Earth.

8. You can thank the ocean for nearly every breath you take. 70% of the oxygen in our atmosphere is supplied by the ocean.

9. World-wide, fish supply most of the protein eaten by humans. for more than 3.5 billion people, the ocean is their main source of food.

You truly can make a difference by using less plastic and recycling the plastic you do use. You can also volunteer for waterway and beach cleanups and, of course, you can help keep all trash from getting into the ocean and onto our beaches by always putting litter in its place. Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and countless fish each year. It collects and remains in our ocean for years, causing harm every day. Help the ocean by refusing single-use plastics. Use reusable bags, cups, and tableware instead.

The vast majority of all water from rivers, creeks, and streams eventually runs into the ocean. By minimizing the use of chemicals like cleaning products and plant and lawn fertilizers at home, you can protect the quality of ocean water even if you live far from the coast. Cleaning up after your pets, reducing your use of water, and keeping wetlands and other natural areas intact helps too.

So go ahead and love on our ocean today in honor of World Oceans Day. We are so lucky to live here!