As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, living in the oceans on a large scale is not a near-term reality. While there have been discussions about underwater habitats, research stations, and even some experimental projects, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed before people can live in the oceans on a widespread basis.
Some of the challenges include:
Pressure and Depth: The deeper you go in the ocean, the higher the pressure becomes. Creating habitats that can withstand these pressures while providing a safe and habitable environment for humans is a significant engineering challenge.
Environmental Conditions: The ocean environment can be harsh, with challenges such as temperature fluctuations, corrosive saltwater, and potential exposure to storms and natural disasters.
Resources and Sustainability: Developing sustainable systems for providing food, water, energy, and waste management in an underwater environment is complex. It’s important to avoid negatively impacting marine ecosystems.
Isolation and Psychological Effects: Living underwater can result in social and psychological challenges due to isolation from the surface world and limited contact with natural sunlight.
Cost and Infrastructure: Creating and maintaining underwater habitats requires substantial investment and ongoing maintenance, which might not be economically feasible for widespread adoption.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations: The legal frameworks for establishing permanent underwater habitats and governing activities in international waters need to be addressed.
While there has been progress in underwater habitat research and development, it’s likely that widespread human habitation in the oceans is still quite a way off. Advances in technology, sustainable engineering, and understanding the impacts on marine ecosystems will be crucial for making this concept a reality. It’s advisable to consult more recent sources for any updates on this topic beyond September 2021.