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

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

doi:10.3389/fmars.2020.00037

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 towards 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-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 summarising 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.

Highlights

The health of the environment has been, and always will be, critical for human health (Whitmee et al, 2015)
Plastic pollution on the coast and in the ocean is another example of anthropogenic activities posing considerable risk to the environment and potentially, to human health and well-being
Two SOPHIE citizen science initiatives have been launched in the European Atlantic and Mediterranean basins, namely “Blue spaces and Well-being” –looking at the relationship between exposure to blue spaces through ecotourism activities and mental well-being and environmental awareness- and “Mapping Ostreopsis spp.” –seeking to work with tourism operators of the WILDSEA Europe network12 who live and work by the coast all year round, as an early detection system in their areas of blooms of Ostreopsis spp. [a harmful microalga with mild effects on beach users, e.g., Vila et al (2016)]

Summary

Introduction

The health of the environment has been, and always will be, critical for human health (Whitmee et al, 2015). Plastic pollution on the coast and in the ocean is another example of anthropogenic activities posing considerable risk to the environment and potentially, to human health and well-being.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion