I want to be as beautiful as the ocean

Exploring its power and complexity.

We often stand in awe of the ocean’s beauty: a magnificent sunset, waves gently lapping against the shore, a boundless expanse of glistening blue that seems to stretch on forever, the soothing sound of water on sand. Yet, the sea is not just a source of aesthetic pleasure. It is also a realm of storms, whirlpools, riptides, unexplored depths, and creatures that look like they were sketched during a nightmare-fuelled all-nighter by a caffeinated cryptid designer. And yet, we are still entranced by its beauty.

The depth of Ocean beauty:

The ocean’s beauty stems from its deep, unexplored, and merciful nature. The Pacific is vast and powerful. The Arctic is cold, yet it is home to life that thrives in extreme conditions. The Southern Ocean is a potent entity, yet it is often overlooked.

The ocean doesn’t shrink itself to fit anyone’s expectations. It covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, containing 97% of the planet’s total water, and yet, we’ve just explored 5% of it. That’s right, we know more about Mars, or why he isn’t texting back, than we do about our seas. Shocking, I know. Let’s stop sending Katy up in the sky and focus on exploring these uncharted waters more deeply.

The big 5 – Ocean’s power players:

Let’s give a standing ovation to the five main oceans:

1. Pacific: This is the largest ocean, covering approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface.
2. Atlantic: Strong, deep and a little more like a moody teenager. The Atlantic Ocean acts as a highway between explorers and colonisers alike.
3. Indian: Warm waters; rich biodiversity.
4. Arctic: Cold, icy and mysterious. This ocean is like the introvert of the group. Quiet yet full of hidden talents.
5. Southern: The underdog, not always on people’s radars, but it plays a vital role in the regulation of our climate.

The ocean’s curriculum vitae:

As breath-taking as the ocean is, it keeps us alive and has an impressive list of talents:

• Produces 50% of the world’s oxygen
• Absorbs around 30% of the C02 that humans have an incorrigible urge to produce
• Regulates temperature and weather patterns
• It’s home to millions of species, some of which we haven’t met yet (shout out to you, glow-in-the-dark-squid)

Oh, and speaking of homes, let’s not forget to mention coral reefs. These vibrant underwater cities are hotspots for biodiversity. Different oceans host various types, such as the Great Barrier Reef in the Pacific or the stunning fringing reefs in the Indian Ocean. Coral is like the high-rise apartments of the ocean. Colourful, busy and under constant threat from climate change and pollution.

Meet the neighbours: Species of the sea

There are over 33,000 known species of fish, with new species being discovered daily. From tiny tetras to blue whales (which can reach lengths of 33 meters), the ocean is an all-inclusive space. With fish that change sex, sharks that have been around longer than trees and plankton that glow in the dark. It’s safe to say the sea is home to some weird yet wonderful things. Scientists estimate that up to 91% of ocean species remain undiscovered, and I’m constantly on the hunt to find a unique new species that is just waiting to be named something great! It’s safe to say that Mother Nature likes to keep us all on our toes (or fin tips).

humanity vs the ocean: a complicated love story

We’ve always depended on the ocean. Whether that be for trade, food, travel, tourism or even Instagram feed inspiration. But it’s not a one-sided relationship. At times, we have neglected our ‘perfect partner’, dumping rubbish along our coastlines, overfishing it, and turning a blind eye to the warning signs of global warming.

We will dive deeper into these threats, laws, and protections in another blog post (because, yes, the ocean has lawyers now, and they are fighting HARD to protect it). But let’s say the sea deserves to be taken on a few dates and bought a bouquet, or two.

The future isn’t so pretty:

The ocean is going through a troubled time, to say the least. Rising temperatures, plastic pollution, coral bleaching and overexploitation are pushing these marine ecosystems to their breaking points. Some species are being hunted to extinction and collapsing more quickly than a Jenga block assembled by a toddler.

So, what can we do?

A fool proof guide to becoming a better Ocean Ally:

• Cut down on single-use plastics. Yes, Donald, plastic straws ARE affecting sharks as they are ‘munching their way through the ocean’.
• Support sustainable seafood (or introduce different or plant-based protein options)
• Donate to or volunteer with ocean conservation orgs (check out our ‘Get Involved’ section for up-to-date charities which I think deserve a little loving)
• Push for better policies. Your voice matters. Let’s cut the crap with ‘oh but I can’t single headedly change the world’. Together we can; it takes just one person to start a movement. Remember that.
• Become more curious. Do your research and learn more about the ocean.

Final takes:

So, what can we do to protect this beautiful, complex force of nature? The ocean doesn’t apologise for being messy, powerful, or mysterious, and neither should we. Let’s stop taking it for granted. From supporting sustainable seafood to reducing our plastic use, it’s time we show the ocean some respect. Together, we can help preserve its wonders for future generations, and even give Sir David Attenborough a break from fixing this planet, as this is a responsibility we all share.

Loved this deep dive? Drop your ocean questions in the comments, binge a Blue Planet doc, or DM us your salty thoughts. Want more marine myths busted and sea stories shared? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow us on Instagram @radical.ocean to stay part of the tide.