Deep ocean water (DOW) contains a large stock of renewable natural resources, and is unique in having multiple essential resources such as energy, fertilizers, water, salts, metals and minerals. However, low concentrations of most resources, a high
construction cost for the pumping system to obtain DOW and limited access to DOW pumping locations have discouraged actual attempts to obtain DOW. Recent developments in technology and practical applications of the DOW resources
carried out in USA (Hawaii), Japan, Taiwan and South Korea have been included the followings: low temperature energy for generating electricity by ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), cooling electric power generators, air-conditioning,
holding and handling fish and shell-fish, cold aquaculture and cold agriculture, inorganic nutrients for the culture of seaweed and phytoplankton, ocean fertilization, freshwater, salts, minerals, and metals, among others.