Ocean Facts

Ocean facts – Learn about the sea and marine life

The underwater world is fascinating and learning ocean facts is the best way to reveal the secrets of our mysterious blue planet. Whether you wish to know more about sea creatures that you can see while snorkeling or understand why the ocean’s health is so important for all of us, reading through our ocean facts articles are perfect for you!

10 surprising ocean facts

• More than 80% of the ocean is still unexplored, there are more detailed maps of the Mars than of our own oceans
• About two-thirds of the marine animals are still unidentified, new species are discovered almost every day
• There are lakes, rivers and even waterfalls in the oceans
• Underneath the continent of Asia, there is a huge underground ocean
• The planet’s longest mountain range can be found underwater and is more than 40000 miles long
• Waves can move hundreds of miles per hour
• There are hydrothermal vents in the seafloor where the water can be up to 750 F / 400 C hot
• More than 20 million tons of dissolved gold can be found in our oceans
• There are more historical remains and wrecks underwater than on land
• If the Earth stopped spinning, the oceans would migrate to the poles creating two polar oceans and one mega-continent

Facts about ocean animals

The ocean is full of life where cute and bizarre sea creatures live. In total, it is home to 94% of all life on the planet. Almost all marine creatures, from the tiniest organisms to the biggest sea animals feature special skills that you wouldn’t think about them. Ocean animals’ facts fascinate not only kids but also adults!

10 Incredible marine life facts

• Many fish species are sequential hermaphrodites, they born as females and become male later
• Octopus can mimic jellyfish, rays, lionfish, sea snakes and corals
• Whales have the loudest sounds underwater (188 dBs) that can be heard from 500 miles
• By dolphins, only half of their brain sleeps at a time
• Seahorses are the only animal where the male gives birth
• Jellyfish are made up of 95 % water
• Peacock mantis shrimp are able to vaporize water
• Damselfish grown their own algae, when they attack, they just protect their land
• A group of dolphins is called a pod, fish a school or shoal, oysters a bed
• Sharks’ skin is covered with little teeth ‘denticles’ therefore it feels like sandpaper

Did you find these marine animals’ facts interesting? Have a look at our marine biology post and read why are parrotfish important on coral reefs, what do sea stars eat or learn facts about sea turtles!

Human related ocean facts

Unfortunately, not all ocean facts are so positive. It is shocking to admit, but due to humans, our waters are in bigger danger than ever before. Human activities and man-made developments affect all part of the oceans. We can’t talk about local problems anymore; the issue is global. Coral bleaching, ocean warming, acidification, sea level rising, changes of currents exist not in the news only.

Major threats to our oceans

• Ocean plastic pollution
• Offshore drilling, oil spills
• Overfishing
• Uncontrolled coastal development
• Marine dumping

These are all actual topics that need attention and immediate actions. Scientists and conservationist constantly study our oceans hoping to find solutions to these urgent issues. But the changes should start with us! This situation affects all of us no matter where we live, therefore it is our responsibility to do our best for our oceans. The changes start with small daily actions like reducing plastic usage, using less our cars or changing to renewable energy sources in our homes.