The Importance of the Ocean

This article encourages you to dive deep into discovering the importance of the ocean in Indonesia and the UK. Using these examples, we hope to illustrate just how vital oceans are in our world.

Diving Deep into the Ocean

It is said that two-thirds of the world is covered by water and it is believed that the majority of life on Earth is aquatic. Despite these claims, only 5% of the world’s ocean has been explored. Although the World Register of Marine Species state there are now 240,470 accepted aquatic species, this is still believed to be just a small proportion of the species that exist. With new marine life being discovered everyday, we are still trying to understand the oceans.

Amid the speculations, the seas are known to produce around half of all the oxygen we breathe. This is due to phytoplankton, tiny single-celled ocean plants. In addition, the seas absorbs half of all man-made climate-warming carbon dioxide, which is why it is important that we maintain their health.

The next two examples will illustrate just how important the ocean is to each country. This should provide an indication of its crucial role in our world.

Image: One of Indonesia’s lesser islands illustrating the role of mangroves and the natural forestry.

Exploring Indonesia’s Oceans

Indonesia is an archipelago (an extensive group of islands) which acts as a crossroad between two oceans, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Indonesia’s oceans plays a crucial role in providing food, livelihood and pleasure for locals and tourists This illustrates that the oceans is one of Indonesia’s important resources when it comes to maintaining the country’s functionality.

The oceans which surround Indonesia is also a thriving habitat. In fact, Indonesia comprises a large part of the ‘Coral Triangle’, an area which contains approximately 76% of the worlds coral species and 37% of the worlds coral reef fish species. This makes Indonesia home to the highest coral reef fish diversity of the world.

It’s not only coral fish that thrive in the waters. There are many species of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans that can be found in the oceans. As a result, 54% of Indonesia’s animal protein supply comes from fish and seafood and Indonesia supplies about 10% of global marine commodities.

It is believed that 2.8 million households in Indonesia are directly involved in the marine commodity industry. This means if fish stocks are depleted, the livelihood of these households could be lost.

Although there were swathes of overfishing and population depletion, the government works alongside various ocean conservation organisations to ensure that there is constant replenishment to promote the growth of various specie population in the ocean.

We, at The Happy Prawn Co., value the importance of the ocean. As part of our production method, we return the mother broodstock (mother prawn) back to the ocean with some of her hatchlings to promote the growth of the penaeus monodon (black tiger) specie. Likewise, our mangrove project has received the support of the Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Department, which sees us replant mangroves across the coastline. This is to not only protect the natural barrier between land and sea, but also provide habitats for the sea creatures.

Discover the wonders of the UK’s ocean

Just like Indonesia, the UK is a smaller archipelago, which resides between the North Sea and the Atlantic. From sheltered sea lochs to wild open waters, from seaweed beds to deepwater coral, the UK’s coasts and seas truly are amazing and some of the hardest working in Europe. There is an extensive array of exciting sea life on the UK’s doorstep. These range from: dolphins, whales, sharks and seals to puffins, seahorses, and rare pink sea fans.

The waters surrounding the UK also support many important industries. These include fishing, shipping and the and the growing renewable energy sector.

We proudly support the Marine Conservation Society, who are the UK’s leading charity for the protection of UK seas, shores and wildlife. This fantastic organisation tackles the problem of plastic pollution, stock depletion and encourages the production of sustainable seafood to promote healthier seas.

Image: Seagrass in shallow waters

MCS have currently launched an initiative to replant more sea grass around the UK borders. This is to encourage an increase in ocean bio-diversity and reduce the effects of climate change. A recent expert report concluded that re-wildling the ocean, and providing the right conditions for re-growth of essential habitats along with offshore renewable energy development can provide 21% of the world’s needs to counter the worst effects of climate change. 

How you could get involved.

If you are passionate about the seas, there are many ways to protect it:

• Encourage replantation of important foliage in your ocean area
• Conduct beach clean-ups to remove the plastic
• Organise fundraising events and challenges
• Donate to your local ocean conservation organisation
• Raise awareness on social media

If you are in the UK and are passionate about the seas, find out how you could get involved here.

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About The Happy Prawn Co.

The Happy Prawn Co. is an independent, ethical brand producing 100% natural, 100% traceable Black Tiger prawns from Indonesia. Aimed at seafood lovers and foodies alike, the brand officially launched in 2018, but it’s the result of more than a decade’s dedication.

Check out this short video about our story here: