The global ocean has changed dramatically since Ferdinand Magellan undertook the first circumnavigation of the world between 1519 and 1522.

Five hundred years on, this infographic aims to capture its evolution in terms of temperature, acidity, sea-level, ice-cover, plastic pollution, shipping and stocks of larger animals. Human efforts with regard to ocean observation are also display as this has become an important tool in managing its waters.

Suitable for printing in large formats on foldable materials, the 500 years of Ocean change infographic can serve as a centrepiece at your event or exhibition about the ocean!

This infographic was produced by artist Glynn Gorick and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), in cooperation with the Oceans Past Initiative (OPI), for the EU-funded Sea Change project. To download a high resolution version of the infographic, click here.

For an extended legend of the changes visualised and the scientific documentation used, click here.