How Sea Plants Support Life

Did you know that sea plants produce more than half of the oxygen we breathe every day?

Most people think of forests when they hear the word "oxygen," but the ocean plays an equally important role.

Sea plants are found in oceans all around the world, from warm tropical waters to cold polar seas.

They use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make food through a process called photosynthesis.

This process releases oxygen into the water and into the air above.

Tiny sea plants called phytoplankton drift near the surface of the ocean and feed billions of small fish and animals.

These small creatures are then eaten by larger fish, whales, and seabirds, forming a long food chain.

Kelp forests grow along rocky coastlines and provide shelter for hundreds of different species.

Sea otters, fish, and crabs all depend on these underwater forests for food and protection.

Seagrass meadows grow on the sandy floor of shallow seas and are home to sea turtles and many young fish.

Sea plants also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps slow down climate change.

Without sea plants, life in the ocean and on land would be very different.

We must protect these vital ecosystems before it is too late.