How to develop an understanding of the marginal sea system by connecting natural and human sciences

The marginal seas are in the transition zone between land and ocean and are often subject to extensive human activities causing multiple stresses on the marine environment and its ecosystems. A large gap between our scientific knowledge and our treatment of the sea illustrates a weak coupling between facts and values. The aim of this work is to initiate a discussion of how to improve the human relationship with the sea. Research into the UN 2030 Agenda with its ambition to transform our world into a sustainable and healthy physical and mental environment creates an opportunity to deepen our understanding of human behaviour and values and how they impinge on the physical world. Together with improved communication and transdisciplinary initiatives, these efforts should be vital in better understanding the marginal sea system and generating a new relationship with the ocean.

There is a pressing need to change the human relationship with the ocean and its marginal seas. Connecting the natural and human sciences can improve our awareness of the sea's state and support behavioural change. Such transdisciplinary development requires training in broad thinking and communication. It is time for natural science to “open the human black box”, adding values to facts.