Sustainable fishing could save our oceans—or destroy them forever. Discover which fishery practices actually work, which ones are marketing lies, and how consumers can support truly sustainable seafood that protects marine ecosystems.
Ecosystems & Habitats
How the world’s ecosystems and habitats work — forests, oceans, wetlands, grasslands and more. Learn what defines each habitat, the wildlife it supports, the services it provides and why protecting these systems is central to conservation.
Hydrothermal vents are openings in the ocean floor where geothermally heated water is released, forming unique ecosystems deep beneath the Earth’s surface. They were first discovered in the mid-1970s, revolutionizing our understanding of life and its ability to thrive in extreme environments. These vents are found primarily along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates diverge, allowing …
Oceanic trenches are distinctive geological formations that underscore the dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust. These underwater chasms are the profound result of tectonic plate interactions, specifically at convergent boundaries where plates are drawn together, moving at varying speeds.
The hadal zone represents the deepest region of the ocean, extending from 6,000 to 11,000 meters. Discover the extreme conditions and life in these deep trenches.
Critical habitat is a legal designation under the U.S. Endangered Species Act for areas essential to conserving a listed species. Learn how designations work, what they mean for private land, and which U.S. species have final or proposed critical habitat.