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EXPERT REPORT

Oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface.
They generate incredible power as shown by the Indian Ocean tsunami, causing destruction and despair in coastal communities. But beneath the surface of the oceans lies an extraordinarily diverse and relatively peaceful world. It is estimated that more than 1 million species live on coral reefs alone, and perhaps as many as 10 million in the deep seas. But this world is under siege.
> Read more
> Watch interview

Carl Gustaf Lundin
Head of IUCN
Marine Programme

DID YOU KNOW?
. Seafood provides almost 20% of the world’s total animal protein intake.
. More than 90% of goods traded between countries are transported by sea.
. Over 46,000 pieces of plastic litter are floating on every square mile of ocean.
> Test your knowledge

THE WORD
"Ocean acidification"
The change in ocean chemistry driven by the uptake of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur compounds by the ocean from the atmosphere.
> Learn more

SPOTLIGHT ON

Manage corals - minimize climate change

Fighting for forest frogs

A better assessment of the threats to coral reefs along with improved management will give corals a much higher chance of survival in the face of warming oceans.
> Read full story
> Listen to interview
> Threats to corals
> The Coral Triangle Initiative

Prescription for a blue economy

FOREST
FIRE

What do the global financial crisis and climate change have to tell us about the high seas? Both demonstrate the complexity of 21st century life. > Read full story

ON THE GROUND

Marine Ecosystems and Climate Change

sudan

A new report highlights how much climate change is affecting the UK marine environment.
> Read full story

Beauty and the High Seas

beauty

Chantecaille, a high-end beauty brand, has teamed up with IUCN to identify ten High Seas ecosystems that require protection.
> Read full story

WHAT'S ON?

International Marine Conservation Congress
19-24 May 2009, Washington DC, USA
UNFF The congress aims to put conservation science into practice.
> Read more
> Listen to interview

RESOURCES

Books
Adrift: tales of ocean fragility
Adrift:tales of ocean fragility Twelve stories of different ocean animals that highlight the latest issues in marine conservation. > Read more
> Buy online

High Seas Gems
Ten key high seas ecosystems in urgent need of protection.
> Read more > Download

Oceans in Google Earth
Beneath the surface of the sea
Adrift:tales of ocean fragility Discover marine protected areas.
> Dive into the oceans

PHOTO GALLERY

Oceans > Visit image gallery
photo gallery

OTHER NEWS

Reprieve for whales
Sakhalin Energy stops all seismic surveys affecting the Western Gray Whale.
> Read full story

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IUCN - The International Union for Conservation of Nature © 2009 IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.
Photo credits@ IUCN: Header and Photo Gallery:Christian Laufenberg; IMCC and Google Earth: Imène Méliane; corals and blue brittlestar: Jerker.Tamelander; Prescription for a Blue Economy: Joëlle Dufour; Marine Ecosystems: Sarah Gotheil. 'The Word' information source: National Geographic.