Impacts of global supply chains on ocean health and mitigation practices: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This paper examines the sustainability risks that oceans face due to global supply chain activities, addressing research questions: (i) How do supply chain activities impact ocean health? and (ii) What supply chain management practices can mitigate negative impacts on marine ecosystems? This research addresses a critical yet neglected area in supply chain literature, offering novel insights for aligning supply chain governance with marine sustainability objectives. This systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing the ScienceDirect database and focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2024. After screening and full-text reviews of 120 papers, 42 relevant studies were analyzed. Our key results reveal that chemical spills, marine plastic debris, industrial and agricultural effluents, unsustainable fishing practices, and resource extraction activities significantly harm marine ecosystems. To mitigate these impacts, essential practices include improving waste management protocols, promoting sustainable fishing, reducing industrial and agricultural effluents, and enhancing response mechanisms for resource extraction. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive regulations, international cooperation, and sustainable business practices, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and education in driving demand for sustainable products and practices. These outcomes make an important contribution to the field of sustainable logistics by highlighting the overlooked nexus between supply chain activities and ocean health, directly supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).