Culture and historic value as ways of understanding complex human health-ocean linkages

The ocean provides a critical foundation for human health, not only through material goods and services (often referred to as “ecosystem services”) but also through less easily defined and quantifiable means. Our oceans underpin an incredible diversity of cultures, values, and practices, which themselves are the foundation for a wealth of human connections and well-being. In this chapter, we explore the connections between ocean cultures, human well-being, and management practices. We examine how historical and anthropological perspectives can reveal these connections and highlight future risks. Finally, we explore how coastal culture can both be a source of resilience and expose populations to new and emerging risks. Throughout, case studies highlight how these ideas are being applied by researchers around the globe.