Moving Toward an Agenda on Ocean Health and Human Health in Europe

Author(s)
Angel Borja, Mathew P. White, Elisa Berdalet, Nikolaj Bock, Claire Eatock, Peter Kristensen, Anne Leonard, Josep Lloret, Sabine Pahl, Mariluz Parga, Julia Vera Prieto, Susanne Wuijts, Lora E. Fleming
Abstract

The integrated study of ocean health and human health is an emerging area of increasing global importance. Growing evidences demonstrate that the health of the ocean and the health of humans have always been and will continue to be, inextricably linked. Our actions toward the oceans will significantly influence the future of the whole planet and, in turn, our own health. The current review of these issues arose from a summer school in San Sebastian (Spain), from 5th to 7th June, 2019. An interdisciplinary group of researchers discussed key risks (e.g., microbial pollution, pharmaceuticals, harmful algal blooms, plastic pollution) and benefits (e.g., bathing waters, recreation, tourism) of the seas and global ocean for humanity; and debated the future priorities and potential actions for a joint Oceans and Human Health research and governance programme in Europe. The aim of this review is to contribute to the emerging scientific agenda on ocean health and human health, as well as coordinate efforts with stakeholders, policy makers and the general public. This agenda operates within the larger context of the upcoming United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: 2021–2030, which strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including healthy (human) lives and well-being (SDG3) and conserving and sustainably using the oceans (SDG14), among others. In addition to summarizing some of the key risks and benefits, therefore, we describe the governance of oceans and health interactions (especially in Europe), and we finish by proposing a list of elements for potential future research priorities on oceans and human health.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
AZTI, University of Exeter, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), European Environment Agency, Universitat de Girona, Plymouth University , SUBMON, Travelecoology, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment
Journal
Frontiers in Marine Science
Volume
7
No. of pages
19
ISSN
2296-7745
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00037
Publication date
02-2020
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
501002 Applied psychology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Water Science and Technology, Environmental Science (miscellaneous), Ocean Engineering, Aquatic Science, Oceanography, Global and Planetary Change
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14 - Life Below Water, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/moving-toward-an-agenda-on-ocean-health-and-human-health-in-europe(d0cf8e6b-2c42-4a3d-9608-2c46a8ad8f4a).html