The Nature Conservancy is taking a unique approach to their 2010 Earth Day campaign by providing simple things the average person can do to help protect the  ocean.  Their Top 5 Earth Day Actions (listed below) encourage protecting the ocean in ways ranging from shopping with reusable bags to adopting a coral reef, proving that little things like lifestyle choices can have a big impact on the health of our oceans.

Recent studies of marine life have shown both the wonders and likely horrors that are facing our oceans. The Census of Marine Life is a decade-long global study examining the diversity of marine life from polar to tropical regions and involves thousands of marine scientists from many countries. Although the full report is due the end of this year, some preliminary findings have been released. Over 5,000 new species have been discovered and research suggests that many thousands of additional species are lurking somewhere in the briny depths. New species range from hairy crabs to sponges that contain anti-cancer drugs.

New research suggests that closing reef areas to fishing can delay the effects of one of their biggest threats: climate change. Such ocean “parks” may give reefs a fighting chance.