Marine biodiversity

Marine biodiversity is the variety of life and ecosystems in ocean and coastal environments, from microscopic organisms to whales and coral reefs.

Marine ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting with one another and with the physical conditions of a marine environment. Marine biodiversity encompasses the species and habitats that compose these ecosystems.
Coral reef: A marine ecosystem built largely from calcium-carbonate structures secreted by reef-building corals. Reefs support concentrated species diversity in warm, shallow seas.
Marine protected area: A geographically defined part of the sea managed to conserve nature and associated cultural or economic values. Protected areas can reduce local pressures on marine species and habitats.
Marine extinction: The permanent global loss of a species that lived in marine environments. Extinction is the most irreversible loss of marine biodiversity.
Deep-sea exploration: The scientific investigation of ocean regions at great depth, often using submersibles and remote instruments. Much deep-sea life remains undescribed because these habitats are difficult to survey.
Marine habitat: A place in the ocean or along a coast where organisms live and find resources. Habitat variety helps explain why marine life differs across environments.
Kelp forest: A coastal marine ecosystem dominated by large brown algae called kelp. Kelp forests create productive habitat for many coastal species.
Convention on Biological Diversity: An international treaty, adopted in 1992, addressing biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing. Its global framework includes commitments relevant to marine biodiversity.
Coral bleaching: The loss of symbiotic algae or pigments that makes coral tissue appear pale or white. Widespread bleaching can damage reef ecosystems and their associated diversity.
Marine microbial ecology: The study of interactions among microorganisms and their marine environments. Microbes drive ocean processes, but their diversity and ecological roles remain difficult to resolve.

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