Understanding the Connections Between Coastal Waters and Ocean Ecosystem Services and Human Health: Workshop Summary

Understanding the Connections Between Coastal Waters and Ocean Ecosystem Services and Human Health discusses the connection of ecosystem services and human health. This report looks at the state of the science of the role of oceans in ensuring human health and identifies gaps and opportunities for future research. The report summarizes a workshop convened by the Institute of Medicine's Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine. Participants discussed coastal waters and ocean ecosystem services in the United States in an effort to understand impacts on human health. Understanding the Connections Between Coastal Waters and Ocean Ecosystem Services and Human Health focuses on key linkages by discussing the ecosystem services provided by coastal waterways and oceans that are essential for human health and well-being; examining the major stressors that affect the ability of coastal waterways and ocean systems to provide essential services; and considering key factors that can enhance the resiliency of these systems.

• Front Matter
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Conceptual Issues
• 3 Stressors Impacting Coastal and Ocean Ecosystem Services and Human Health
• 4 Seafood Supplies and Food Security
• 5 Opportunities for Medicines
• 6 Coastal Change and Human Health
• 7 Ensuring Benefits of Recreational Waters Through Monitoring
• 8 New Approaches to Protect Ecosystem Services and Human Health
• 9 Closing Observations
• Appendix A: Workshop Agenda
• Appendix B: Speaker Biographical Sketches