In the US as we gather and share moments of gratitude this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to extend our appreciation to our vast and life-sustaining ocean. Our global Ocean provides us with an abundance of gifts, from the air we breathe and fresh water we drink, to nourishing seafood.
Thank you ocean for the precious gift of oxygen. As the primary regulator of our global climate, you generate over half of the world’s oxygen supply through the remarkable process of photosynthesis carried out by marine plants, particularly those microscopic algae known as phytoplankton. With each breath we take, we inhale the life-giving oxygen you tirelessly produce, sustaining not only human life but the entire web of existence on our planet.
Thank you ocean for the freshwater you provide. The water cycle ensures a continuous flow of freshwater to the land, quenching the thirst of countless species and nurturing terrestrial ecosystems. From the rain that replenishes our reservoirs to the rivers that carve their way through landscapes, your contribution to freshwater resources is immeasurable.
Thank you ocean for the bounty of seafood. The sustenance you provide not only nourishes our bodies but also forms the backbone of many coastal communities, supporting livelihoods and traditions for generations.
As we give thanks to the life-sustaining ocean that provides the air we breathe, the freshwater we drink, and the seafood that enriches our meals. Let us commit to being responsible ocean stewards to protect, restore, and conserve the Ocean for humanity and generations yet to come.