The initiative
The Planet Ocean project at the Museum investigates the past, present and future of the oceans. The marine environment is the unifying theme of the initiative.
Aims and objectives
The core aims:
- promote the public understanding of humankind's relationship with the oceans
- present and interpret the issues surrounding this subject in inspirational, responsible and effective ways
Key themes of the initiative
The key themes of this initiative are:
- oceans and environmental change
- biodiversity
- ocean resources
- pollution and conservation
- deep-sea exploration, navigation and discovery
- citizenship, communities and sustainable development
- media and the environment
Planet Ocean: the context
The oceans are diverse, complex systems holding great wonder and fascination, and a delicately-balanced life-support system for planet Earth. Covering two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, the oceans have an average depth of two miles. Their volume accounts for 97% of the planet's living space and supports a tremendous variety of life. The oceans influence world climate and provide essential resources. They have inspired art and culture for civilizations worldwide, and contribute billions of pounds to the global economy.
But our growing needs are straining this delicate balance. Some of the many dangers facing the world's oceans include:
- declining fish stocks
- increasing levels of marine debris and beach litter
- vanishing coral reefs
- pollution disasters
Yet the oceans also represent the last great frontier for human exploration and discovery on the planet. Until recently, very little was known about what was hidden in the deep oceans. Modern technology allows us to explore some of these areas, although still at quite considerable risk.