BOX 1: Definitions of human and ocean health
Human health – A broad definition of health has been
assumed, based on the WHO definition of health as “a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization 1946). Spiritual
health is also included as this has been articulated in some Indigenous
definitions of health (e.g. Te Whare Tapa Wha – Māori health Ministry
of Health 2017). Equity and equitable access to health care and
resources that support health is an additional critical dimension
included in our definition.
Ocean health - There are multiple dimensions to ocean
health. From a utilitarian perspective ocean health may be defined by
the ecosystem services they provide. From a non-utilitarian perspective,
ocean health may be defined as marine ecosystems where broad ecosystem
structure and function is maintained. This can be in a pristine,
altered, or novel ecosystem state. Our perceptions of ocean health are
mediated by the values we attribute to these different ecosystem states.