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.