Three Ocean Facts You Need to Know This World Ocean Month

World Ocean Month Highlights: Clams, Coastlines, and Krill Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2025 – World Ocean Month is a time to reflect on the importance of our oceans. A recent TikTok video by marine biologist Carissa (@carissaandclimate) has brought attention to several fascinating facts about marine life and human interaction with the ocean. One surprising fact is that before corals became the primary reef builders in tropical waters, clams held that role. This highlights the long and complex history of marine ecosystems. Another striking statistic is that roughly half of the world's human population lives within 93 miles of a coastline. This underscores our deep connection to the ocean and our dependence on its resources and ecosystem services. As Carissa points out, "Half of us live near a coastline, which shows just how much we rely on it." Finally, the video emphasizes the critical role of krill in the Antarctic marine food chain. Krill depend on sea ice for survival, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change and the resulting loss of sea ice. The consequences of losing sea ice coverage are far-reaching, impacting the entire Southern Ocean ecosystem. This fact serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of marine life and the urgency of addressing climate change. Carissa's video, while short, effectively communicates the importance of ocean conservation and the need for greater awareness of the threats facing our marine environments.