Approximately 95 percent of all U.S. foreign trade is waterborne and passes through U.S. ports.

Fishing and ocean science are not the only maritime professions. Other ocean-related careers can include the military, engineering, medicine, underwater archaeology, marine policy and law, education, film making, zoology, advocacy work, lifegaurding, tourism and more.

The ocean is responsible for the world's climate and weather patterns. Meteorologists also study the ocean.

Coastal states earn 85 percent of all U.S. tourism dollars, and beaches are the leading tourist destination.

Physical, chemical and geological oceanographers study the ocean floor, its properties and currents. These scientists unlock the many questions critical to safe marine use for both commercial and recreational mariners. They also help us understand how we can use the ocean as food, transportation and defense resources.

Marine biologists, sometimes called biological oceanographers, study marine plants, animals and organisms within man-made and natural environments. The late ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau was a biological oceanographer, who spent much of his time in or on the ocean, while other marine biologists might be found working at an aquarium. These scientists help us understand the impact of the ocean on weather patterns, global warming, pollution control, food supplies, medicine, and much more.

Two hundred million years of geologic and biologic history of the Earth are recorded in the ocean's floor. Life on Earth is so profoundly affected by the oceans, almost any discipline can be applied to an ocean career.

The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sponsors the National Sea Grant College Program, a federal/state partnership that supports marine-related research, education and advisory activities. These activities help us learn more about marine resources and improve usage of them.

Sea Grant operates through a network of academic and research institutions located in coastal and Great Lakes states and in Puerto Rico. The 29 state and regional Sea Grant programs are a good sources of marine career-related information.

Get educated and share your knowledge!

Learn about ocean-related careers by contacting the National Sea Grant College Program.

Visit universities or aquariums to see first-hand how scientists work.

Volunteer with the National Marine Sanctuary Program or other marine-focused group, such as SeaWeb, to experience marine-related careers.

You don't have to be an ocean science professional to understand, appreciate and protect the world's ocean.

NOAA's Year of the Ocean Toll-free Information Line: 1-888-4YOTO98

Year of the Ocean Website: www.yoto.com

National Sea Grant College Program
Website: http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/