Our oceans face levels of devastation previously unknown in human history--from pollution, from overfishing, and through damage to delicate aquatic ecosystems affected by global warming. Ocean biodiversity is being decimated on par with the fastest rates of rain forest destruction. More than 80 per cent of pollutants in the oceans come from sewage and other land-based runoff (some of it radioactive). The rest is created by waste dumped by commercial and recreational vessels. In many areas and for many fish stocks, there are no conservation or management measures existing or even planned. Climate author Albert Bates explains how ocean life maintains adequate oxygen levels, prevents erosion from storms, and sustains a vital food source that factory fishing operations cannot match--and why that should matter to all of us, whether we live near the ocean or not. He presents solutions for changing the human impact on marine reserves, improving ocean permaculture, and putting the brakes on the ocean heat waves that destroy sea life and imperil human habitation at the ocean's edge.