In this month's "In-Depth," we explore why social sciences are essential for the protection and management of marine spaces.
The ocean's vastness makes us believe it is infinite: an endless blue horizon, with limitless water and resources. How many times have we looked at it and wondered where it ends? However, recently, the real question is: where does it begin?
The Historical and Cultural Connection with the Ocean
The ocean connects us to the past through stories and is part of the identity of millions of people worldwide. Nearly five thousand years ago, Polynesians ventured into the sea, guided by the stars and their ancestral knowledge of winds and tides; three thousand years ago, the Phoenicians built a vast commercial empire by navigating the Mediterranean. Between 100 and 700 AD, the Moche culture on the northern coast of Peru developed advanced navigation and fishing techniques, using rafts and reed boats to explore and utilize the resources of the Pacific Ocean. The ocean has been the setting for wars, conquests, myths, and legends throughout history. The foundation of our civilization is deeply rooted in a connection between the sea and humans, and we cannot imagine life without it.
But where does the sea truly begin? Worldwide, many coastal areas are densely populated. In Barcelona, for example, urban beaches have changed over time. Between the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the city's industrialization transformed the coast into a line dominated by industrial infrastructures, significantly degrading the coastal strip. Over time, the coast became a dumping ground, receiving large amounts of urban and industrial wastewater. However, in the second half of the 20th century, various citizen initiatives emerged, promoting the use of the coastline for sports, leisure, and culture, as well as preserving the fishing activity and maritime tradition of the Barceloneta neighborhood. In this way, the sea and the beach in front of it became a symbol of the city, but also a reminder of its fragility and the great responsibility we have towards them. Understanding the interconnectedness of terrestrial and marine ecosystems is key to comprehending this responsibility.
The Importance of Social Sciences in Marine Management
Historically, coastal communities around the world have depended on the ocean as a source of food and livelihood. According to a 2018 FAO report, fishing and aquaculture produced more than 79.3 million tons and 28.7 million tons of fish, respectively, providing approximately 59.6 million jobs globally and accounting for 17% of all animal protein consumed worldwide. However, climate change and pollution are affecting the ocean, altering its temperature, raising its level, and acidifying its waters. For example, 90% of urban wastewater discharged into rivers eventually reaches the ocean, affecting the health of marine ecosystems (UNEP, 2020). Thus, what happens in watersheds and along river courses can jeopardize not only the ocean's health but also that of the planet and, therefore, all of us.
Facing the challenges of ocean sustainability is a responsibility that requires a perspective considering the relationship between people and the marine environment. This relationship is complex and varies depending on the context: for some, the ocean is a source of food; for others, a space for recreation or a vital resource for mental health. This is where marine social sciences play a crucial role in seeking solutions.
The human dimension, with its social, cultural, economic, health, and governance aspects, is essential for effective ocean management and conservation. The policies governing the use and preservation of marine resources, from the blue economy to climate change adaptation, must be guided by an understanding of these dimensions (Bennett et al. 2017; Christie et al. 2017). Marine social scientists focus on topics such as governance, human use, equity, and social resilience to address concerns related to ocean policy.
The ocean begins closer than we imagine: at the beach, the river flowing down from the mountain and into the sea, the thin line of the highest tide, where the waves touch the sand and children play. Integrating sustainable management policies that consider this interconnectedness is essential for protecting our marine resources and ensuring global ecological balance. Decisions about its protection must integrate both scientific knowledge and the voices of those who, historically and traditionally, live by the sea. Only by combining science with the experiences and needs of coastal communities can we build a future where the ocean and humanity coexist in harmony.