Blue Worlds: The Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is Earth's third biggest ocean, connecting Africa with Asia and Australia. Its warm waters are filled with unique wildlife visiting its famous islands, colourful coral reefs and dense mangrove forests. Many major cities surround the Indian Ocean and the ocean is an important part of life for their inhabitants, who often work in shipping, tourism or fishing. But the Indian Ocean is at particular risk from rising sea levels, as much of the land surrounding it as low-lying and floods are a constant threat. The oceans make up Earth's biggest habitat. More than 70 per cent of Earth's surface is covered by oceans and seas and they hold more than 97 per cent of Earth's water supply. Oceans drive the world's weather, provide half of the oxygen we breathe and provide food and livelihoods for more than a billion people. Blue Worlds explores each of the world's five oceans and major seas in detail, looking at the different features - from wildlife and weather to landscape - that make them all individual and unique. It also looks at the threats that they face, such as global warming, overfishing and pollution.