How can a healthy ocean improve human health and enhance wellbeing on a rapidly changing planet?

This 2024 Ocean Panel Blue Paper examines the connections between ocean health, human health and wellbeing, identifying opportunities to improve health through sustainable ocean management. It explores four principal areas: marine biodiversity as a source of medicines and innovation; sustainably produced seafood as a contributor to nutrition and food security; the physical and mental health benefits of marine environments; and the economic and social benefits of a sustainable ocean economy.

The report also considers how climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten these benefits, with consequences for health and equity. It identifies actions for governments, healthcare professionals and other sectors, including protecting marine ecosystems, reducing environmental impacts and incorporating ocean health into decision-making. Particular attention is given to collaboration between health and ocean experts to support healthier people and marine environments.

Access requirements: Free, publicly accessible report. No registration, login or payment required. Full report and shorter summaries for healthcare and ocean professionals are available to download.

Citation: Fleming LE, Landrigan PJ, et al. How can a healthy ocean improve human health and enhance wellbeing on a rapidly changing planet? Washington, DC: World Resources Institute; 2024. https://doi.org/10.69902/8b06940f