Study reveals: Marine diseases threaten coastal regions and society!

Study reveals: Marine diseases threaten coastal regions and society!

The marine environment is critical to ecological balance, but marine disease outbreaks caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites pose a serious threat, according to a recent report by the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel These outbreaks have not only ecological but also profound social and economic impacts. So far, the focus of research has been primarily on the ecological dimension, while the socio-economic aspects have been neglected.

The study, published in the journal *Ocean and Coastal Management*, highlights that marine diseases must be viewed as a source of danger for coastal regions and their populations. Dr. Lotta Clara Kluger, the study's lead author, emphasizes the inextricable connection between the ocean and society and argues that a more comprehensive assessment approach is needed.

The role of oyster farming

Oyster farming provides a concrete example of the effects of marine diseases. This has a high commercial and cultural importance, influencing not only aquaculture, but also water quality, fishing and the tourism sector. The study develops a second level of analysis to consider the impact of disease outbreaks on local societies and economies, referred to as the “spill-over effect”. This effect refers to how marine life can migrate beyond the boundaries of protected areas, primarily benefiting local communities and fisheries.

These findings are consistent with the observations of Dr. John Garza of NOAA, who found that kelp rockfish larvae can move up to 20 km to fished areas. Such spillover effects have been documented in protected marine areas where the biological population can grow and reproduce, which in turn benefits surrounding communities.

Risk reduction strategies

To counteract the risks of disease outbreaks, the study suggests various strategies. These include careful selection of sites for aquaculture, artificial water filtration and selection of species less susceptible to disease. Financial measures such as insurance are also under discussion. The aim of the study is to provide concrete risk reduction tools for farms, communities and policy makers. These measures are intended not only to protect ecosystems, but also to promote sustainable development.

The study is part of the Beyond One Ocean Health (B1OH) project and was developed as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is currently taking place in Nice, France, and runs until June 13th. The goals of this conference emphasize the need to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030, underscoring the importance of strategic protected areas.

Overall, it is evident that the protection of marine ecosystems is of great importance not only for nature, but also for people. An integrative approach that takes into account environmental and socio-economic aspects is crucial for the sustainable development of coastal regions.