The global ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and contains 97% of the planet’s water. The ocean is a vast and critical reservoir that supports a diversity of life and produces up to 80 percent of the oxygen we breathe. The ocean is also one of the largest CO2 sinks on the planet, absorbing roughly 25 percent of the atmospheric CO2 we emit each year. Nearly 40 percent of the world's population depends on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Moreover, the global ocean significantly influences all natural cycles and as a result is also directly or indirectly involved with all economic sectors. For these reasons, to successfully transition to a more sustainable global economy, ensuring the health of our ocean is essential.