Save our Seas

OCEAN LIFE The darkest depths of the world's oceans have sheltered millions of mysterious creatures found nowhere else on earth. Our oceans and seas cover more than two thirds of the planet and sustain a breathtaking array of marine life - from microscopic plankton to the largest of the great whales. As mankind continues exploration of the submerged world, hundreds of thousands of previously unknown species living in the vast ocean depths are being discovered. Current estimates indicate that 178,000 species live in the oceans, although continued exploration of the deep sea may reveal millions more.
Very little is known about the complex marine ecosystems inhabited by these species. While we do know that there are certain biodiversity hotspots, home to a much larger concentration of species, we still much to discover about how these habitats work, how important they are in maintaining the balance of life on earth, and what part we play in that complex ecosystem. And yet, despite the vast unknown characteristics of the oceans, they are struggling to survive the greatest threat to their existence - human beings. There are several threats to the world's oceans today - and almost all of them are a result of human activity.

Greenpeace has been campaigning to protect the oceans against the worst threats - destructive fishing techniques like bottom trawling, whaling, pollution, unsustainable and ecologically disastrous development, and the direct impacts of climate change.


We need urgent action to reclaim our oceans for marine life and coastal communities. But thankfully, it is not too late to turn the tide. One of the major solutions we are campaigning for is a large-scale global network of marine reserves.

Greenpeace India's Oceans Campaign was launched in 2004 with the Rainbow Warrior 'Save our Seas' Tour, to raise the profile of the rich marine ecosystems, fragile habitats and endangered creatures of the Bay of Bengal. Explore with us the biodiversity hotspots unique to India. Bear witness along with us as we document the many threats to these fragile ecosystems. Join us in our Campaign to Save our Seas!