Our Oceans
The oceans account for 97% of the planet's living space, cover two-thirds of the
Earth's surface and have an average depth of two miles. The oceans represent the
last great frontier for human exploration and discovery on this planet. Through
a combination of cutting-edge technology and human bravery we are now able to
explore, understand and appreciate the deep ocean. Public interest and concern
for the marine environment is currently very high as it affects our lives in
many ways: influencing world climate, contributing billions of pounds to the
global economy and inspiring art and culture. Also, many dangers face the
oceans: declining fish stocks, marine debris and beach litter, vanishing coral
reefs and pollution disasters.
© National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, LONDON
The United States Virgin Islands and Our Oceans
We live on small islands in the midst of an incredibly large and richly diverse sea. We can see the water from almost everywhere we go. Our lives are delicately intertwined with this sea for our food, our economic well-being, our weather and climate. Can we take it for granted? Will it always provide for us? You'll find out what we know about the answers to these, and many other, questions.
And you'll see, up close, the wonderous creatures that inhabit our coastal areas. You won't need to bring these creatures into our laboratory, because our laboratory is where they live. You'll see live octopus where they belong, on the reef, not on a meat hook. You'll see colorful nudibranchs, spiny urchins, brittle stars, and much more.