Environment

Researchers say ‘ocean identity’ could help restore oceans

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

New research led by Dr Pamela Buchan from the University of Exeter suggests that people’s deep connection to the sea – their ‘ocean identity’ – could help to reshape societies’ relationships with the ocean.

A diverse international group of marine researchers and practitioners came together to discuss marine identity based on testimonies and photographs from multiple countries. The paper published in the journal People and Nature is titled “An interdisciplinary co-conceptualisation of marine identity”. The project has been endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Marine Science for Sustainable Development and the EU Mission for Oceans and Water.

The group included Diz Griselo from the Canadian Marine Literacy Coalition, Dr Emma McKinley from Cardiff University, who helped deliver the workshop, and people from across Europe, Africa, Indonesia, North America and Australia.

They discovered many things in common, including their traditions, customs, and reliance on the sea for recreation, livelihoods, health, and food.

They also found differences, such as the negative aspects of the ocean forming part of identity for people whose communities and livelihoods are at risk from extreme weather events.

The group agreed to a broad definition of maritime identity: “an identity that is rooted in how the place of the sea supports a sense of self.” This is the first time that an international and cross-cultural definition of maritime identity has been agreed upon.

“Agenda 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) calls for repairing the relationship between society and the ocean,” said marine social science researcher Dr Pamela Buchan.

“We know that identity, rather than values, is what motivates people, and that people respond to threats to their sense of self.

“As a result, ocean identity can have profound implications for ocean protection and restoration.

“Many people feel a deep connection to the ocean, but may not think of it in terms of ‘ocean identity.'”

By helping to define and raise awareness of the term, the researchers hope to promote “ocean citizenship” – the right of people to exercise their right to be involved in decisions about the ocean and to take responsibility for it.

“We can nurture this environment by encouraging easy access to the ocean for everyone from an early age,” Dr Buchan added.

“For example, in the UK, which is an island nation, many people have a strong maritime identity, but the sea is often seen as a faraway place, a place you visit and then leave.

“We believe that conservation and management of marine resources is a matter of government policy. There is no policy that directly enables local people to manage it.”

“We hope that our research will help strengthen the concept of marine identity, empower people to protect the ocean, and encourage decision-makers to actively consider people’s relationship with the ocean.”

Further information: Interdisciplinary co-conceptualisation of marine identity, People and Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10715

Provided by University of Exeter

Citation: “Marine identity” could help oceans recover, researchers say (September 17, 2024) Retrieved September 17, 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-marine-identity-ocean.html

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