Research led by Dr. Pamela Buchan from the University of Exeter suggests that enhancing people’s strong ties to the ocean—what’s referred to as their “marine identity”—can help reshape society’s interactions with marine environments.
Research led by Dr. Pamela Buchan from the University of Exeter suggests that enhancing people’s strong ties to the ocean—what’s referred to as their “marine identity”—can help reshape society’s interactions with marine environments.
A diverse, global assembly of marine experts and practitioners gathered to explore the concept of marine identity, gathering insights and photographs from various countries.
This group included representatives like Diz Glithero from the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition and Dr. Emma McKinley from Cardiff University, along with members from regions including Europe, Africa, Indonesia, North America, and Australasia.
The discussions revealed shared themes, such as cultural traditions and the vital role of the ocean in providing recreation, income, health, and food.
However, there were also noted differences, particularly related to how the ocean may negatively impact identity for communities whose livelihoods are threatened by severe weather events.
They reached a collective understanding of marine identity: “An identity based on how the ocean as a space influences one’s sense of self.” This is the inaugural instance of achieving a global, cross-cultural definition of marine identity.
Dr. Buchan, a specialist in marine social science, remarked, “Challenge 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) emphasizes the need to restore our relationship with the ocean.
“Identity is a more significant motivator than values, and individuals respond to threats against their self-perception.
“Therefore, marine identity could play a crucial role in the efforts to conserve and rejuvenate ocean environments.
“Even if many individuals feel a strong bond with the ocean, they might not recognize this connection as their ‘marine identity.’
By defining and increasing awareness of this concept, researchers aim to foster “marine citizenship,” encouraging people to actively engage in marine policy-making and take responsibility for ocean stewardship.
Dr. Buchan elaborated, “We can nurture this sense of identity by ensuring that access to the ocean is available to everyone, beginning in childhood.
“In the UK, being an island nation, many individuals possess a robust marine identity—yet, the sea is often viewed as something distant, a place to visit but not fully embrace.
“We tend to think of marine conservation and resource management as governmental responsibilities, lacking policies that empower local communities to take charge.
“We aspire for our research to reinforce the idea of marine identity, empower individuals to safeguard the ocean, and encourage decision-makers to integrate people’s connections with the sea into their considerations.”
