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Sandifer PA. Linking coastal environmental and health observations for human wellbeing. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1202118. [PMID: 37780424 PMCID: PMC10540068 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1202118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Coastal areas have long been attractive places to live, work, and recreate and remain so even in the face of growing threats from global environmental change. At any moment, a significant portion of the human population is exposed to both positive and negative health effects associated with coastal locations. Some locations may be "hotspots" of concern for human health due to ongoing climatic and other changes, accentuating the need for better understanding of coastal environment-human health linkages. This paper describes how environmental and health data could be combined to create a coastal environmental and human health observing system. While largely based on information from the US and Europe, the concept should be relevant to almost any coastal area. If implemented, a coastal health observing system would connect a variety of human health data and environmental observations for individuals and communities, and where possible cohorts. Health data would be derived from questionnaires and other personal sources, clinical examinations, electronic health records, wearable devices, and syndromic surveillance, plus information on vulnerability and health-relevant community characteristics, and social media observations. Environmental data sources would include weather and climate, beach and coastal conditions, sentinel species, occurrences of harmful organisms and substances, seafood safety advisories, and distribution, proximity, and characteristics of health-promoting green and blue spaces. Where available, information on supporting resources could be added. Establishment of a linked network of coastal health observatories could provide powerful tools for understanding the positive and negative health effects of coastal living, lead to better health protections and enhanced wellbeing, and provide significant benefits to coastal residents, including the historically disadvantaged, as well as the military, hospitals and emergency departments, academic medical, public health, and environmental health programs, and others. Early networks could provide best practices and lessons learned to assist later entries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
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Reamer MB. Communicating ocean and human health connections: An agenda for research and practice. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1033905. [PMID: 36530715 PMCID: PMC9755358 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1033905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of ocean and human health (OHH) science as a distinct scholarly discipline has led to increased research outputs from experts in both the natural and social sciences. Formal research on communication strategies, messaging, and campaigns related to OHH science remains limited despite its importance as part of the social processes that can make knowledge actionable. When utilized to communicate visible, local issues for targeting audiences, OHH themes hold the potential to motivate action in pursuit of solutions to environmental challenges, supplementing efforts to address large-scale, abstract, or politicized issues such as ocean acidification or climate change. Probing peer-reviewed literature from relevant areas of study, this review article outlines and reveals associations between society and the quality of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as key themes, concepts, and findings in OHH science and environmental communication. Recommendations for future work concerning effective ocean and human health science communication are provided, creating a platform for innovative scholarship, evidence-based practice, and novel collaboration across disciplines.
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Carson MA, Doberneck DM, Hart Z, Kelsey H, Pierce JY, Porter DE, Richlen ML, Schandera L, Triezenberg HA. A Strategic Framework for Community Engagement in Oceans and Human Health. COMMUNITY SCIENCE 2022; 1:e2022CSJ000001. [PMID: 36186152 PMCID: PMC9526077 DOI: 10.1029/2022csj000001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, scientific research on the connections between the health and resilience of marine ecosystems, and human health, well-being, and community prosperity has expanded and evolved into a distinct "metadiscipline" known as Oceans and Human Health (OHH), recognized by the scientific community as well as policy makers. OHH goals are diverse, and seek to improve public health outcomes, promote sustainable use of aquatic systems and resources, and strengthen community resilience. OHH research has historically included some level of community outreach and partner involvement; however, the increasing disruption of aquatic environments and urgency of public health impacts calls for a more systematic approach to effectively identify and engage with community partners to achieve project goals and outcomes. Herein, we present a strategic framework developed collaboratively by community engagement personnel from the four recently established U.S. Centers for Oceans and Human Health (COHH). This framework supports researchers in defining levels of community engagement and in aligning partners, purpose, activities, and approaches intentionally in their community engagement efforts. Specifically, we describe: (1) a framework for a range of outreach and engagement approaches; (2) the need for identifying partners, purpose, activities, and approaches; and (3) the importance of making intentional alignment among them. Misalignment across these dimensions may lead to wasting time or resources, eroding public trust, or failing to achieve intended outcomes. We illustrate the framework with examples from current COHH case studies, and conclude with future directions for strategic community engagement in OHH and other environmental health contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Carson
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Diane M. Doberneck
- University Outreach and Engagement, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Zac Hart
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Heath Kelsey
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Dwayne E. Porter
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mindy L. Richlen
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Louisa Schandera
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Varanasi U, Trainer VL, Schumacker EJ. Taking the Long View for Oceans and Human Health Connection through Community Driven Science. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052662. [PMID: 33800838 PMCID: PMC7967353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The most proactive approach to resolving current health and climate crises will require a long view, focused on establishing and fostering partnerships to identify and eliminate root causes of the disconnect between humans and nature. We describe the lessons learned through a unique scientific partnership that addresses a specific crisis, harmful algal blooms (HABs), along the northeast Pacific Ocean coast, that blends current-day technology with observational knowledge of Indigenous communities. This integrative scientific strategy resulted in creative solutions for forecasting and managing HAB risk in the Pacific Northwest as a part of the US Ocean and Human Health (OHH) program. Specific OHH projects focused on: (1) understanding genetic responses of tribal members to toxins in the marine environment, (2) knowledge sharing by elders during youth camps; (3) establishing an early warning program to alert resource managers of HABs are explicit examples of proactive strategies used to address environmental problems. The research and monitoring projects with tribal communities taught the collaborating non-Indigenous scientists the value of reciprocity, highlighting both the benefits from and protection of oceans that promote our well-being. Effective global oceans and human health initiatives require a collective action that gives equal respect to all voices to promote forward thinking solutions for ocean health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Varanasi
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Vera L. Trainer
- Environmental and Fisheries Science Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, WA 98112, USA;
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Kenny TA, Archambault P, Ayotte P, Batal M, Chan HM, Cheung W, Eddy TD, Little M, Ota Y, Pétrin-Desrosiers C, Plante S, Poitras J, Polanco F, Singh G, Lemire M. Oceans and human health—navigating changes on Canada’s coasts. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean conditions can affect human health in a variety of ways that are often overlooked and unappreciated. Oceans adjacent to Canada are affected by many anthropogenic stressors, with implications for human health and well-being. Climate change further escalates these pressures and can expose coastal populations to unique health hazards and distressing conditions. However, current research efforts, education or training curriculums, and policies in Canada critically lack explicit consideration of these ocean–public health linkages. The objective of this paper is to present multiple disciplinary perspectives from academics and health practitioners to inform the development of future directions for research, capacity development, and policy and practice at the interface of oceans and human health in Canada. We synthesize major ocean and human health linkages in Canada, and identify climate-sensitive drivers of change, drawing attention to unique considerations in Canada. To support effective, sustained, and equitable collaborations at the nexus of oceans and human health, we recommend the need for progress in three critical areas: ( i) holistic worldviews and perspectives, ( ii) capacity development, and ( iii) structural supports. Canada can play a key role in supporting the global community in addressing the health challenges of climate and ocean changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiff-Annie Kenny
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Philippe Archambault
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- ArcticNet, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Malek Batal
- Département de nutrition, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - William Cheung
- Institute of Oceans and Fisheries (IOF), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tyler D. Eddy
- Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Fisheries & Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3, Canada
| | - Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Yoshitaka Ota
- Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, EarthLab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5674, USA
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5685, USA
| | - Claudel Pétrin-Desrosiers
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d’urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Association canadienne des médecins pour l’environnement/Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (ACME/CAPE), Toronto, ON M5T 2C2, Canada
| | - Steve Plante
- Département Sociétés territoires et développement, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Julien Poitras
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d’urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Fernando Polanco
- School of Medicine, St. George’s University, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Gerald Singh
- Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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