ABSTRACT
Appreciating the ocean’s contributions to life on earth and human needs is essential. Effective marine management requires an understanding of the structure and function of the oceans (Boxes 1.1 and 1.2). For example, an understanding of ocean temperature and ocean chemistry is fundamental to comprehending the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on marine environments (e.g. sea level rise, ocean acidification). This knowledge also contributes to evaluating opportunities to either mitigate (reduce) greenhouse gas emissions or adapt (respond to) to climate change. Another example is the need to understand how deep sea mining may affect marine environments. This requires knowledge of the oceanographic, physiographic and biological structures and processes that contribute to the ecological health of the deep sea and associated communities.
