An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

Chapter 23: Connecting the Oceans and Human HealthRecommendation 23–1The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and other appropriate entities shouldsupport expanded research and development efforts to encourage multidisciplinary studies ofthe evolution, ecology, chemistry, and molecular biology of marine species, discover potentialmarine bioproducts, and develop practical compounds.These efforts should include:• a strong focus on discovering new marine microorganisms, visiting poorly sampled areasof the marine environment, and studying species that inhabit harsh environments.• encouragement for private-sector investments and partnerships in marine biotechnologyresearch and development to speed the creation of commercially available marinebioproducts.Recommendation 23–2The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and other appropriate entities, shouldsupport expanded research efforts in marine microbiology and virology.These efforts should include:• the discovery, documentation, and description of new marine bacteria, algae, and virusesand the determination of their potential negative effects on the health of humans andmarine organisms.• the elucidation of the complex inter-relations, pathways, and causal effects of marinepollution, harmful algal blooms, ecosystem degradation and alteration, emerging marinediseases, and climate change in disease events.Recommendation 23–3The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and other appropriate entities shouldsupport the development of improved methods for monitoring and identifying pathogensand chemical toxins in ocean and coastal waters and organisms.This effort should include:• developing accurate and cost-effective methods for detecting pathogens, contaminants,and toxins in seafood for use by both state and federal inspectors.• developing in situ and space-based methods to monitor and assess pollution inputs,ecosystem health, and human health impacts.• developing new tools for measuring human and environmental health indicators in themarine environment.• developing models and strategies for predicting and mitigating pollutant loadings,harmful algal blooms, and infectious disease potential in the marine environment.Recommendation 23–4Congress should establish a national, multi-agency Oceans and Human Health Initiative tocoordinate and sponsor exploration, research, and new technologies related to examining theconnections among the oceans, ecosystem health, and human health. The National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration’s Oceans and Human Health Initiative and the NationalInstitute of Environmental Health Sciences–National Science Foundation Centers for Oceansand Human Health should be expanded and coordinated as the basis for this initiative.The new Oceans and Human Health Initiative should:• be implemented through both competitively awarded grants and support of federallydesignatedcenters with federal, state, academic, and private-sector investigators eligibleto compete for funding.512 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY