The mission of the nonprofit Healthy Oceans, Healthy People is to inspire ocean conservation engagement to protect our blue planet. The vast ocean covers the majority of the planet and is the earth’s life support system.  Wherever we live – coast, mountains, desert, plains – the ocean keeps us alive.  The ocean sustains us (from the fresh water we drink and every other breath we take comes from the ocean), nourishes, and inspires us. 

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Ocean & Human Health Research

Our research focuses on ocean conservation actions and human health risks and benefits of spending time in and near the ocean. We investigate the interconnections between ocean ecosystem health and human health. 

Ocean Conservation

Our research goal is to inspire ocean conservation and engage people in taking sustainable actions to protect our ocean ecosystems.

Research Projects

Our research projects focus on the interconnections between human health and ocean ecosystem health.

• Tiny Habits for sustainability/ocean stewardship
  We are currently investigating whether the Tiny Habits methodology can help people to live more sustainable lives. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/oceansustainability
• Ocean Stewardship Oceans and Human Health (Second Edition) Opportunities and Impacts 2023, Chapter 24 – Ocean stewardship Chris O’Halloran, Pamela M. Buchan, Nicola L. Bridge, Lora E. Fleming, Bodhi Patil, Bruce Maycock. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95227-9.00004-X Abstract How we respond to the growing threats to, as well as the opportunities for, the oceans and human health increasingly fall within the purview of ocean governance and ocean stewardship, underpinned by ocean literacy and citizenship through the lens of behavioral change. In this Chapter, we explore these areas which have been expanding in their importance and understanding. Finally, we begin to consider potential actions we can take as individuals, communities, and at the societal and global levels to address these challenges and opportunities.
• Surfer Health Study, Monterey Bay, California (health risks and benefits)
  This study suggests surfers were significantly more likely to report upper respiratory symptoms when they had experienced adverse health effects while surfing during a “red tide” and during a bloom of the microscopic, single-celled phytoplankter, Akashiwo sanguinea. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.714831
• Ocean Literacy and Ocean Conservation
  In this study ocean conservation action was associated with multiple factors, including awareness of ocean literacy principles (the ocean is largely unexplored, ocean health and human health are connected, and the ocean regulates our climate and weather), monthly visits to the ocean, emotions of sadness and awe, feeling a connection to nature, living 10 miles or less to the ocean, and viewing nature documentaries and Instagram. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.976006
• Surfer Health Study, Monterey Bay, California
  This study suggests surfers were significantly more likely to report upper respiratory symptoms when they had a history of allergies, housemates with upper respiratory symptoms, and/or a history of previous adverse health symptoms while surfing during a “red tide” (an event often associated with the presence of phytoplankton toxins). Additionally, female surfers reported upper respiratory symptoms more than males. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-016-1197-6
• Lifeguard Health Study, US (physical and mental health)
  This study had 48% of the lifeguard participants reported acute stress symptoms after performing a rescue, especially those with a history of anxiety or a history of asthma. DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2015.02.010
• Lifeguards and rip currents
  Only half of the participants in this study were aware that rip currents account for 80% of ocean fatalities. (In review for publication)
• Harmful algal blooms
  This investigation established baseline information showing the presence of H. akashiwo along the central California coast based on water samples collected from the Santa Cruz pier in Monterey Bay (on the open coast) and the Berkeley pier in San Francisco Bay. Results of this study indicate that H. akashiwo is present along the open California coast and could easily be missed in routine phytoplankton surveys. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2005.06.009

Educational Activities

We sponsor science fair projects, art & photography contests focused on ocean conservation. We also provide interactive classroom talks on a variety of ocean topics.

Our Publications

Respiratory Problems Associated with Surfing in Coastal Water