A view of our world from space suggests that earth is very much a water planet. Our oceans comprise an astonishing 70 percent of the earth's surface, lending our planet its vibrant blue hue. Yet, we are only beginning to understand how unique our oceans are. More than a century of oceanographic research has revealed that oceans play a critical role in regulating earth's weather and climate, house extraordinarily diverse plants and animals, provide food and medicines, and significantly influence the creation and ever-changing appearance of our coastlines. However, we are still paddling at the surface of this immense resource. Knowledge of the oceans, their resources and their relationship to human activities is vital to our society — and to our planets existence.