The Ocean examines the policies, controversies, and challenges surrounding the Earth’s oceans and the marine resources contained therein. The collection begins with articles that focus on the championing of renewed oceanic exploration and the call for more oversight and development of the oceans, particularly in America where the burden—or benefit— such policies could place on the U.S. economy remains a contentious topic. The next chapter shifts from exploration to exploitation and examines the fine line between resource depletion and sustainability. Articles will look at the state of commercial fishing as well as the environmental and economic challenges of oil drilling and deep-sea mining. An increase in ocean awareness and stewardship has brought many new issues to light, particularly the threat of climate change on the seas. This chapter will cover a broad scope, from the need to combat and control invasive species to the status of endangered species to the mounting problem of ocean acidification. Another chapter will cover the rising importance of state-based threats and strategizing in such critical arenas as the Indian Ocean and will examine the issues over the control of the Exclusive Economic Zones of oceans. The final chapter examines the swelling surge of environmental refugees in the twenty-first century, whether displaced by rising sea levels, storms, pollution, and other environmental factors, and the growing challenges they face.