The deepest known depth of the ocean is located at the southern end of Mariana Trench called the Challenger Deep, which is 35,876 feet deep (or 10,935 meters). For comparison, that’s much deeper than if Mount Everest were turned upside down from average sea level (29,029 feet or 8,849 m)! In the vastness of the ocean, more than 80% of species have yet to be discovered—we have barely scratched the surface of what there is to discover.
In January 2024, a group of scientists embarked on an expedition by Chile’s coast. These scientists wanted to explore its underwater mountain ranges and documented over a hundred new deep sea animals in less than a month! Among these are corals, glass sponges, lobsters, octopuses, and jellyfish. The scientists now work hard to identify, observe, and further protect the creatures of the region.
With only less than 20% of underwater species discovered, it is important we take action to preserve and protect the vast sea life. Currently, around 2,270 marine species are endangered, and plastic has reached the Mariana Trench. Habitat loss as a result of global warming, rapid urbanization, and industry pollution also contribute to decreased biodiversity. As long as we act now, we may still have time to reverse the tides.
Here are some ways to save the ocean, as an individual:
- Conserve water: Take shorter baths, turn off the faucet if it is not in use, and have pipe leaks fixed.
- Mindful consumption: A lot of the waste we produce ends up in rivers, and eventually, into the ocean. Reduce consumption, refrain from buying items with excessive plastic packaging, and look for items that can last in the long run. Take the Jelli M1 mask, for example—our transparent mask is reusable and sustainable.
- Use fuel-efficient vehicles: Having a fuel-efficient vehicle contributes to the overall benefit of the environment, particularly when it comes to global warming. Global warming affects the seas in a way that the oceans absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (ocean acidification).
- Join or support sea conservation efforts: If this is an advocacy you can dedicate your time to, check out your local (or even global) ocean conservation organizations! While individual efforts are important, moving in larger groups speed up the pace.
The ocean may be large, but pollutants and human activity destroy it at a rapid pace. It may seem scary to know how much we can lose if we don’t protect the biodiversity of the Earth, but as long as we are aware, and as long as we care to make an effort, we can contribute to a better environment. Who knows what else we can explore and discover in the ocean if we take action now? Together, we can help preserve the ocean's biodiversity, and stand (or swim) in awe at the mysteries it can offer.
References:
How deep is the ocean?: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oceandepth.html
Discovering new species: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean/
New Species Discovered in the Deep Sea: https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2024/02/28/100-new-species-discovered-in-the-deep-sea/
Endangered Marine Species: https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/solutions-success-stories/endangered-ocean
Plastic in Mariana Trench: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plastic-bag-found-bottom-worlds-deepest-ocean-trench/