People have lived near the ocean for many thousands of years. In Stone Age times, they gathered shellfish from the sea's edge. Later, ocean animals provided people with fish and meat. Whale oil was used for lamps, and fur and skin from polar bears, seals, and otters for warm clothing. Bones of animals were used for tools and jewelry. Plants from the sea and shore were harvested for food and other needs.

Today the oceans still provide millions of people with valuable food, and much more as well.

The oceans are rich in minerals, especially salt. People collect the salt from seabeds, which dried up millions of years ago. When the seawater in these places evaporated, it left behind huge deposits of salt. Salt is a very important product. Before refrigeration, people used salt to keep food fresh. It is still an ingredient in many foods and other items.

There are other minerals in the oceans which people gather with large machinery. This process is called mining, and it is done on land and sea. Magnesium is used to make metals that are light and strong. Bromine is used in medicines, photographs, and motor fuel.

Today, people drill beneath the sea for coal, oil, and gas to produce energy. Scientists are finding ways to use the energy in seawater itself to produce electricity.

Save the Oceans

The pollution of the world's oceans is harmful. It makes the ocean too dirty for marine plants and animals to be healthy. Safer oil tankers should be built so that oil won't leak if there is an accident.

Countries around the world are starting to work together to clean up the oceans. Laws have been made to stop too much waste from being dumped in the oceans, and to prevent the killing of any more whales and other endangered animals.

Some nylon fishing nets used by fisherman are bad for marine animals. Nylon doesn't rot like some other materials. When the nets fall overboard, they trap and kill dolphins, seals, and other animals.


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