Dr. Pamela Buchan, from the University of Exeter, has led new research suggesting that people’s strong connection with the ocean, their “marine identity,” can be instrumental in reshaping society’s relationship with the seas. A diverse international group of marine researchers and practitioners recently convened to explore marine identity, drawing on testimony and photos from multiple countries.
The participants included Diz Glithero of the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition, Dr. Emma McKinley of Cardiff University, and experts from Europe, Africa, Indonesia, North America, and Australasia.
They identified several shared elements, including cultural traditions and reliance on the ocean for leisure, income, well-being, and nourishment. Additionally, they observed disparities, such as the adverse ways in which the ocean can influence one’s sense of self, especially among those whose communities and livelihoods are threatened by severe weather.
The exploration revealed numerous shared themes, such as traditions and customs, as well as the community’s reliance on the ocean for various aspects of life. Additionally, they discovered disparities, such as how the ocean can negatively impact one’s sense of identity, especially for those facing the threat of extreme weather.
Ultimately, the group unanimously defined marine identity as “an identity based on how the ocean, as a location, nurtures one’s sense of self.” This marks the first time an international, cross-cultural definition of marine identity has been established.
“Challenge 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) calls for the restoration of society’s relationship with the ocean,” said Dr Pamela Buchan, a marine social science researcher. “We know identity drives people more than values – and people react to threats to their sense of self. As a result, marine identity could have a powerful impact on protecting and restoring the ocean. While many people feel deeply connected to the ocean, they may not think of this in terms of ‘marine identity.’”
By defining and promoting the concept, the researchers aim to encourage “marine citizenship” – empowering individuals to participate in marine decision-making and embrace accountability for the well-being of the ocean.
“We can foster this by encouraging easy access to the ocean for everyone, from a young age,” Dr Buchan added. “In the UK, for example, as an island nation, many people have a strong marine identity – but often the sea is seen as something remote to visit then retreat from. We see conservation and management of marine resources as a matter for government policy, and we do not have policies that directly enable local stewardship.”
“We hope our research will help strengthen the concept of marine identity, empower people to protect the ocean, and encourage decision-makers to actively consider the relationships that people have with the sea.”
Journal reference:
- P. M. Buchan, L. D. Glithero, E. McKinley, M. Strand, G. Champion, S. Kochalski, K. Velentza, R. A. Praptiwi, J. Jung, M. C. Márquez, M. V. Marra, L. M. Abels, A. L. Neilson, J. Spavieri, K. E. Whittey, M. M. Samuel, R. Hale, A. Čermák, D. Whyte, L. West, M. Stithou, T. J. Hegland, E. S. Morris-Webb, V. Flander-Putrle, P. Schiefer, S. Sutton, C. Onwubiko, O. Adeoye, A. Akpan, D. L. Payne. A transdisciplinary co-conceptualisation of marine identity. People and Nature, 2024; DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10715