Arguments and claims

The oceans are facing a serious crisis. Climate change, pollution, and commercial fishing have reduced the population of many species to dangerously low levels. But some conservationists have put forward an innovative idea to help our seas heal: creating national parks in the oceans. National parks have been part of American culture for over 150 years, ever since President Ulysses S. Grant declared Yellowstone the first U.S. national park in 1872. National parks have special protections that mostly forbid activities that are harmful to nature, such as hunting or cutting down trees. As of 2021, almost 17% of the world’s land was protected, but only about 8% of the world’s oceans. Scientists and conservationists argue that setting aside more of the world’s oceans as national parks will help marine species to recover. Plus, these watery national parks can create opportunities for more people to view and connect with our incredible oceans.