Welcome To Oceans Month

Throughout the month of June, we’ll dive into the stories of the deep.

icon of wave with words "oceans month" next to itThis is a part of Oceans Month, where we explore the science throughout the world’s oceans and meet the people who study them. Want to dive in with us? Find all of our stories here.


You may not know it, but you have a deep relationship with the ocean. Covering about 70 percent of Earth’s surface, the ocean helps regulate the planet’s climate, provides millions with a livelihood—not to mention it is the source for almost half of the oxygen you breathe. As marine biologist and explorer Sylvia Earle says, “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live.”

Yet, despite the significant role it plays in our lives, we only know very little about the ocean. Beneath the vast surface there’s a wild ecosystem—an estimated 91 percent of marine species are yet to be identified, and scientists have charted more of the moon and Mars than the topography of the ocean, for example.

That’s why, throughout World Oceans Month this June, we’ll be exploring the science beneath the waves—from journeying to the ocean floor with deep sea researchers, to swimming alongside some of the most surprising animal migrations on the planet, to exploring the invisible forest churning oxygen just below the waves, to resurfacing classic interviews from the SciFri archive, and more.

Take a deep breath and dive in. We’ve got a lot to explore.


Meet A Blue Planet Sub Pilot

From the first filming of a live giant squid to underwater lakes, Buck Taylor has seen it all.

a man sitting on top of the submarine in the water with snowy mountains behind him


How Seafaring Scientists Are Mapping The Deep

Scientists are discovering new species nearly everywhere they look in the deepest parts of the ocean. Two of them make a case for why this remote habitat is worth our close attention.

deep sea researcher diva amon in a submersible in the deep sea, completely shaded in blue


How To Grow Coral

Corals have long since been in the news for being at risk of bleaching. At Georgia Aquarium, a team of biologists are helping restore coral in the wild—by cultivating them in the lab.

a coral with the tip showing signs of bleaching


Kelp: It’s What’s For Dinner

Meet the farmers who want to make cheap, environmentally friendly kelp America’s next favorite vegetable.

four kelp farmers on a boat pulling up sugar kelp


Riding The Wave Of Kelp Farming

The kelp revolution has reached the U.S. and it could change everything (including how cows fart).

sugar kelp rung up on a line ready to be harvested


Marine Habitats Are Protected—But Are They Effective?

Ten percent of the world’s oceans are on track to be protected by 2020. But do they need to be?

a series of islands and sprawling ocean off brazil


Earth’s History In A Column Of Coral

Take a look back in time by examining x-ray images of the insides of corals.

rounded coral with hole in the center


A Daily Audio Diary Of The Narwhal

Researchers have collected the sounds of a group of narwhals in order to monitor how the animals are affected by manmade sounds.

three narwhals swimming together breaking the surface of the water


A Possible Oasis In A Sea Of Dying Coral

Pockets of coral in the Pacific and western Atlantic “escape, resist, or rebound” bleaching events while their neighbors die off.

colorful coral reef in the ocean


Mapping The Journey Of Marine Animal Migrations

Locked within each map is a story.

a map of the atlantic ocean with various orange and purple lines squiggled everywhere across it


Chasing Whales Through Time

Paleontologist Nick Pyenson pieces together the evolutionary story of how whales came to be the majestic, awe-inspiring animals we know today.

black and white photograph of a model of a whale with two men observing it

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Meet the Writer

About Lauren J. Young

Lauren J. Young was Science Friday’s digital producer. When she’s not shelving books as a library assistant, she’s adding to her impressive Pez dispenser collection.

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