Oceans and Society

This unique textbook presents an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of marine studies, exploring the dynamic relationship between people and the marine environment.

Emphasizing the human dimension of coastal and ocean issues, the book provides an innovative examination of the complex marine?human environment dynamics by drawing on social science and humanities approaches. Applying these interdisciplinary approaches, the textbook addresses key challenges facing the marine environment, including changing climate, fisheries, aquaculture, marine pollution, energy production, and management of areas beyond national jurisdiction. While leading with a human dimension approach to these challenges, the chapters are all firmly grounded in foundational knowledge about coastal and ocean environments and processes. The textbook also includes examples of professional or academic areas of specialization within marine studies such as social and environmental justice, governance, global perspectives, traditional ecological knowledge and management, entrepreneurship, community development, conservation, and the blue economy. Ultimately, the book provides the first cohesive resource on marine studies to educate students, train interdisciplinary marine leaders, inspire new knowledge about people and the sea, generate innovative solutions for sustainable oceans, and build capacity for a new generation of marine-focused professionals.

Oceans and Society is essential reading for students on marine studies courses, as well as those studying marine governance, policy, conservation, and law more broadly. It will also be of great interest to students, researchers, and professionals interested in applying interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

"The sea and land, and the peoples that span these liminal spaces are often treated in isolation, both in academic scholarship and in practice. This introductory text takes a widescreen, interdisciplinary approach to illuminating these interdependent socio-ecological processes, with keen attention to their equity implications."
Dr. Kenny Broad, University of Miami

"Oceans and Society: An Introduction to Marine Studies places the relationship between people and the ocean at its heart. The book echoes calls for interdisciplinary thinking, championing the development of innovative ways to better understand the relationships between people, ocean, and place, through useful case studies."
Dr. Emma McKinley, Research Fellow, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University & Chair of the Marine Social Sciences Network

"As our climate changes and global populations reach eight Billion, we must improve ocean management. This book sets an important foundation for ocean management, as it introduces the breadth of marine studies, and connects oceans and society."
Dr. Quentin Hanich, Ocean Nexus Chair in Fisheries Governance; Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong

"The challenges faced by our oceans are complex, multi-faceted and inter-related. Future ocean stewardship will rely on interdisciplinary approaches. This book is a timely compilation which will help guide students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to an appreciation of the benefits and opportunities associated with engaging with human dimensions approaches."
Dr Michelle Voyer, Senior Research Fellow Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at University of Wollongong

"A must-read book for graduate students in the field of marine management. Understanding the ?ocean-society? intersection, from multiple perspectives and applied to multiple grand challenges, is essential to enable these next-generation marine managers to work collaboratively towards sustainable and just ocean futures."??

Dr. Megan Bailey, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University

"Oceans and Society is a valuable introduction to the human dimension of coastal and ocean issues, accessible to individuals with a variety of backgrounds united by their passion to sustain a healthy future for our ocean, coasts, and people."
Professor Jack Barth, Executive Director, Marine Studies Initiative, Oregon State University