The Earth is a unique system in the universe, the only planet we know of that's hospitable for humankind.

The value of sharks' lives is now widely understood to be more important than their value as products. And when you have sharks in an area, it's a sign of good health. They're top predators, which means they feed on old, sick, and slower fish, keeping an entire population healthy.

With care and protection, with safe havens in the ocean, there is still a good chance that we can turn things around.

The observations that have developed over the years have given us perspective about where we fit in. We are newcomers, really recent arrivals on a planet that is four and a half billion years old.

'Green' issues at last are attracting serious attention, owing to critically important links between the environment and the economy, health, and our security.

We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do.

Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.