Earth is the blue planet, with 75% of its surface covered by water. Most of the world's fisheries are near the coasts. Even those who live near the ocean rarely venture beyond the coast into the seas.
Today, the oceans are changing rapidly. Global warming is increasing their temperature and acidity, as well as raising the sea level. Fisheries are under great pressure to produce. Coral is dying. Homes and even countries are washing into the sea with rising sea level. Some scientists have suggested that the oceans will create stronger typhoons.
We have started this website to summarize these changes and how they are and will affect us and our environment, principally along the Pacific Coast. We will write about the ongoing
research by others into these impacts, and have included links to
resources for additional information, aquariums, and university programs.
Edward Flanders Robb Ricketts (1897-1948) was an early pioneer in marine ecology. We have chosen him as an icon for our work because of his early and extensive studies along the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. His life tragically ended too early.
We are only at the beginning of our work, and will continue to add information as we make further discoveries, and hopefully you write to us. The website will evolve.