Final answer:
Oceans are crucial for coastal and island communities for fishing, trade, and environmental protection. The health of marine ecosystems like coral reefs is essential, but they are threatened by pollution, climate change, and overfishing. New Zealand's large marine economic zone exemplifies the close relationship between nations and their surrounding oceanic resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oceans are particularly important to coastal communities and island nations due to multiplicity of ways in which they contribute to local economies, environments, and the overall well-being of the people. Traditional economies of these regions typically revolve around fishing and trade. Overfishing and the introduction of modern technologies have led to dependency on international economic support. Coral reefs, like those at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, are critical to oceanic ecosystems and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine life. Climate change, oceanic acidification, and pollution pose significant threats to these delicate ecosystems.
New Zealand serves as an example of the importance of oceans for island nations, with its vast exclusive economic zone allowing exclusive rights of exploration and exploitation of marine resources, significantly contributing to its national identity and economy. The oceans' role extends beyond economics as well; they regulate climate, support biodiversity, and protect coastlines from erosion through natural features like coral reefs and mangroves.
However, the sustainability of ocean resources is challenged by environmental pressures such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate-related changes affecting the health of marine species and the chemical composition of seawater, which is crucial for the survival of coral reefs and other marine life.