Covering roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface, regulating the earth’s temperature and containing an estimated 50-80% of life on our planet, the world’s oceans play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Human activity, however, has put oceans at risk. Over a decade ago, the University recognized the importance of the Mediterranean Sea to Israel’s future and had the foresight to establish the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, a graduate school dedicated to preserving the marine environment, harnessing the power of the sea for the betterment of humanity, exploring its undiscovered secrets and making certain we protect this gift.