Marine and coastal ecosystems
A deep sea diver
The oceans cover 70 per cent of the planet's surface area. Marine and coastal environments contain diverse habitats that support an abundance of marine life. As well as providing a valuable source of food, life in our seas produces a third of the oxygen we breathe and plays an important role in moderating the global climate.
Seas, coastal areas and coral reefs are under threat from pollution, over-exploitation, coastal development and climate change.
What is the Museum doing to help?
Museum scientists are conducting research on the biodiversity of the oceans, the sea floor and coastal areas, such as gathering data on cetacean strandings and assessing the diversity of seaweeds, fish and microscopic marine plants and animals. This research is helping us to understand the immense diversity of life in the oceans and the impacts of our activities on it.
Find out more about some of the Museum's marine and coastal ecosystem projects.