Ocean Restoration: The Crucial Role of Marine Identity

The ocean has always been a significant part of human life, shaping our identities and cultures throughout history. It is this deep connection with the ocean that scientists believe could be harnessed to improve society's relationship with the seas. This idea was recently explored in new research led by Dr. Pamela Buchan from the University of Exeter. 
 
An international team of researchers and practitioners specializing in marine studies convened to discuss this concept, which they termed "marine identity." The group included Diz Glithero from the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition and Dr. Emma McKinley of Cardiff University, among other experts across Europe, Africa, Indonesia, North America, and Australasia. 
 
Through testimonies and photos collected from various countries worldwide, they identified several common themes, such as customs related to the sea, reliance on oceans for recreation activities, deriving livelihoods through fishing or tourism, and seeking mental health benefits or sustenance from it. 
 
Despite these shared experiences, though, there were also differences, particularly in how negatively some communities perceive their relationship with the sea—especially those vulnerable to extreme weather events caused by climate change. 
 
The researchers agreed upon a broad definition of marine identity: "An identity rooted in how the ocean as a place supports one's sense of self." Interestingly enough, this marked an international cross-cultural consensus on what constitutes a marine identity for perhaps the first time ever. 
  
Dr. Buchan explained that Challenge 10 under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) aims at restoring society's bond with oceans. She further added that personal identities often drive individuals more than values do, hence making people react more strongly when their sense of self feels threatened, thus indicating potential power behind utilizing'marine identity' towards protecting and restoring our seas. 
 
She noted: "While many people feel deeply connected to the ocean, they may not think about this connection as being part of their'marine identity.'" 
 
By defining and raising awareness around the 'term'marine citizenship,' the researchers aim for people to exercise their right to participate in marine-related decision-making and take responsibility for ocean conservation. 
 
Dr. Buchan said: "We can foster this by encouraging easy access to the ocean from a young age. In the UK, as an island nation, many people have a strong marine identity—but often see the sea as something remote." 
 
She highlighted that currently conservation and management of marine resources are viewed more as government policy matters than local stewardship. The team hopes their research will strengthen the concept of'marine identity,' empower individuals towards protecting oceans, and prompt decision-makers into considering relationships that communities hold with seas while formulating policies. 
   
The findings are indicative of how understanding our relationship with nature, especially our deep connection with oceans, might be key in addressing environmental challenges we face today. By recognizing and nurturing this'marine identity', it could well become a powerful tool in advocating for sustainable practices and fostering responsible stewardship of our global waters.