Oceans and human health: Emerging public health risks in the marine environment

Abstract

There has been an increasing recognition of the inter-relationship between human health and the oceans. Traditionally, the focus of research and concern has been on the impact of human activities on the oceans, particularly through anthropogenic pollution and the exploitation of marine resources. More recently, there has been recognition of the potential direct impact of the oceans on human health, both detrimental and beneficial. Areas identified include: global change, harmful algal blooms (HABs), microbial and chemical contamination of marine waters and seafood, and marine models and natural products from the seas. It is hoped that through the recognition of the inter-dependence of the health of both humans and the oceans, efforts will be made to restore and preserve the oceans.

Environmental status and early warning value of the pollutant Semicarbazide in Jincheng and Sishili Bays, Shandong Peninsula, China

“…The Bohai and Yellow Seas are the main shellfish-producing regions in China, which might be contaminated by SEM, in the end posing hazard to human health (Partelow et al, 2015;Fleming et al, 2006). The Bohai and Yellow Seas cover an area of 4.57 × 10 5 km 2 and are north from Liaodong Bay, south to Qidong mouth of the north of Yangtze estuary.…”

Marine Environment and Public Health

“…The oceans represent a significant source of biological diversity, water, biomass, oxygen, and other important aspects to human health [1][2][3]. The quality of the ocean is essential for maintaining the planet, and thus to public health.…”

“…The microbiological activity in coastal environment can result in direct impact in human health, but can trigger the biodiversity loss, degradation of ecosystem function and impact in recreation, tourism and human wellbeing [1,2,6,11,12]. Marine pollution, such as nutrients input, runoffs, and regional and international navigation by ships can load new pathogens to the environment, and the climate change may exacerbate their effects and establishment in an area.…”

“…Potential pathogens from the Family Vibrionaceae and Aeromonadaceae have been frequently identified in coastal humans and marine top predators. It is important to highlight that pathogens of these families are not associated with fecal contamination [1,3].…”

“…The relationship between public health and the health of the oceans are also growing due to increasing number of people living in coastal areas, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions [1,3,4]. In these regions, increases vulnerability to social and environmental stability resulting from natural disasters that involve the ocean and health.…”