KEYNOTE: The ocean and human health: New horizons and opportunities

Interdisciplinary research and training in the ocean and human health is an area of increasing global importance. There is growing evidence that the health of both the ocean and humans are inextricably linked, and that how we... [ view full abstract ]

Interdisciplinary research and training in the ocean and human health is an area of increasing global importance. There is growing evidence that the health of both the ocean and humans are inextricably linked, and that how we interact with and impact our ocean and seas will significantly influence our future on Earth. Throughout history, the ocean has provided culture, livelihoods, expansion, trade, food, and other resources. However, rapidly increasing global population (particularly coastal urbanization) and continuing alterations of coastal environments are placing overwhelming pressure on coastal seas and the ocean. Negative anthropogenic impacts including climate change, pollution (chemical, microbial, material), habitat destruction (e.g. bottom trawling, dredging) and overfishing, affect not only ecosystem health and services, but also human health and economic welfare. Conversely, there are opportunities to promote human health and wellbeing through sustainable interactions with the coasts and the ocean, including through the restoration and preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems. In particular, a growing evidence base indicates that interactions with coastal and ocean environments may improve both physical and mental health and quality of life.

The study of the ocean and human health is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together the natural, medical and social sciences, as well as diverse stakeholder communities (including fishers, recreational users, private enterprise, and policymakers). Reviewing the known and potential risks and benefits of interactions between humans and the oceans provides insights into new avenues of global cooperation with the potential for collaboratively addressing both local and planetary environmental challenges and human health and wellbeing.