Coastal cities are the fastest growing population centers

Around half of the global population now lives within 62 miles of the coast, and coastal cities are among the fastest growing population centers on the planet. As these urban communities grow, however, so does the potential for damage.

One possible solution is the creation of a city marine park which can protect the benefits of the marine environment. For example, officials in Plymouth have made a commitment to designate the ocean around the city as the UK’s first National Marine Park.

Researchers at the University of Plymouth are now describing how other cities across the world can follow Plymouth’s lead. The study highlights how city marine parks could promote the wellbeing of coastal communities in terms of improved health, economic prosperity, and sustainability.

“Whether you live in Melbourne, Mumbai, Miami or any other coastal city in the world, the ocean can be an important factor in your life. But it is vital for communities to deepen the connection and really focus on developing a mutually beneficial relationship with the ocean for greater economic, environmental, social and health benefits,” said study lead author Dr. Simon Pittman.

“We believe the city marine park concept provides the means to do that, essentially providing a gift from the city to itself in terms of securing a prosperous, healthy and sustainable future for coastal cities.”

Unlike Marine Protected Areas, the parks would not provide legal protection. Instead, there would be a focus on encouraging organizations and individuals to understand and utilize the benefits of their local marine environment.

Professor Martin Attrill has been a long-time advocate of the concept, and is playing an important role in Plymouth’s marine park.

“We live in an era where the world’s seas have been heavily impacted by human activity and remain under serious threat. But there is also increased awareness and recognition that the global population has a crucial role to play in safeguarding their future,” said Professor Attrill. “Identifying ways for coastal cities to benefit from the seas and vice versa is a hugely positive step, and city marine parks can be a catalyst for real change in terms of the relationship between the citizens of coastal cities and their marine surroundings.”

The study is published in the journal Marine Policy.

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

Image Credit: University of Plymouth