Ocean Biome Interest Building

What do we think when facing a vast ocean within the game? 

"I wonder what's on the other side? I hope it isn't crazy far to new land."

For such a massive area within many of our worlds, there really isn't much going on. Swim to the bottom. You'll get some sand and gravel, maybe a shipwreck, come across some coral reefs, and eventually an Ocean Temple. 

Unfortunately, while there are some interesting things to find, the biome has almost zero affect on the way we play the game. Loot tables within sunken ships are lackluster, coral is practically useless, navigation is boring, and what incentive do we have to build a Conduit? 

To utilize the blank canvas of the ocean, the first thing it needs is incentive. For instance, Ocean Temples could shift into specialized underwater trial chambers. Sunken ship loot tiers could directly tie  to Y: depth. Magma block bubbles could be a sign of sunken treasure blocks in underwater ravines. These structures could also hide items in suspicious sand. All of these would also bring more functionality to potions, turtle helmets, and brushes.

Of course, reasons to explore need to have associated risks as well. Guardians and Drowned aren't reason enough to be deterred. Hostile mobs like alligator gar, sharks, crabs, pufferfish and merfolk would warrant gearing up for underwater expeditions, and maybe even water focused weapons (spearguns?). With the promise of lost riches, maybe Pillagers might even take up sailing.

Thank you for reading!