A number of studies were reviewed that investigate copper concentrations in ocean water, sediments and organisms. The purpose of reviewing the studies was to compare natural versus anthropogenic copper concentrations. It was found that large variations in concentrations do occur in ocean water, sediments and organisms due to both naturally occurring and anthropogenic copper. Copper is an essential micronutrient to both plants and animals. As such, organisms were found to have mechanisms to deal with copper levels in their environment from both natural and anthropogenic copper within the ranges studied. It was also concluded that when studying copper in the environment both natural varying copper levels and varying concentrations due to anthropoge nic copper must be considered.