Legal Definitions - ocean

The ocean refers to the vast, continuous body of saltwater that covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface. This includes what is commonly known as the high seas or the open sea. The term can also specifically denote any of the major geographical divisions of this global body of water, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans.

• Example 1: International Shipping Routes

  A massive cargo ship embarks on a journey from a port in Singapore, traversing the Indian Ocean and then the Atlantic Ocean, to deliver goods to a port in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

  This example illustrates the ocean as the continuous, global waterway essential for international trade and navigation, specifically highlighting two of its principal geographic divisions that facilitate such long-distance travel.

• Example 2: Marine Conservation Efforts

  Scientists from various countries collaborate on a project to monitor and protect coral reefs and diverse marine life in a designated conservation zone within the Pacific Ocean, far from any national territorial waters.

  Here, the term "ocean" emphasizes its role as a vast ecological system, extending into the "open sea" where international cooperation is crucial for preserving its biodiversity and natural resources.

• Example 3: Deep-Sea Exploration

  A research submarine descends to extreme depths in the Arctic Ocean to study unique geological formations and extremophile organisms thriving in conditions of immense pressure and cold.

  This demonstrates the ocean as a profound and largely unexplored environment, highlighting one of its major geographical divisions as a distinct area for scientific discovery and understanding of the planet's diverse ecosystems.