SOPHIE

A Growing body of evidence indicates that the marine environment and human health are inextricably linked. These linkages encompass both risks to health and wellbeing, and a range of potential benefits and opportunities. However, much of this early evidence has been established in the US, under the rubric of the integrative meta-discipline of “Oceans and Human Health” (OHH). Far less is known about these issues in other parts of the world, including the European context which faces its own set of unique challenges and opportunities.

Whilst the ocean can benefit human health and boost wellbeing via activities like recreation and relaxation, it can also pose risks to human health – through factors such as flooding and pollution.

This complicated mix of threats and opportunities interact in ways we don’t fully understand. Exploring these relationships is the basis for an emerging scientific discipline called “Oceans and Human Health”.

As a maritime continent, conducting research in this area is important for Europe, its inhabitants, and its Ocean. So the European Commission has funded Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe, a research programme which will help protect the ocean, harness its health benefits, and reduce its risks.

Building on the early leadership shown by members of the consortium mapping these issues in Europe, the Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe (SOPHIE) consortium brings together an international multidisciplinary European team of marine, health, social and economic science experts and practitioners to explore these relationships in the European context. By including a broad range of interdisciplinary partners from both marine and health sectors, SOPHIE can demonstrate reach across disciplines and communities in Europe and internationally.

The project is gathering information from many different sources: from citizens; from research findings; from data repositories; and from existing European policies. SOPHIE will also look to the future and develop a ‘research road map’, setting the course for scientists to gather evidence and inform policies which enhance and protect both human health and the health of the marine environment.

These recommendations will be SOPHIE’s legacy and will advance this field across Europe and the world.

SOPHIE’s primary aims are to: a) deliver a clear, evidence-informed Oceans and Human Health Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) within the European context, based on extensive involvement by diverse stakeholders; and b) ensure that the structures needed to develop and implement this SRA are in place and will exist as a legacy beyond the life of the project. These aims will be achieved by: (i) systematic synthesis of the current evidence base; (ii) developing and coordinating a European community of OHH stakeholders; (iii) identification of innovative solutions to sustainably reduce risks and promote benefits; (iv) scenario modelling and horizon scanning; (v) knowledge exchange through bespoke training and skills programmes; and (vi) a global OHH Conference to present SOPHIE’s findings and enhance European leadership and global cooperation in OHH research