Marine and coastal areas linked with better health and well-being

A new study suggests that exposure to coastal environments can play a significant role in boosting human health and well-being, due to the ‘therapeutic effects’ of marine and coastal landscapes.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and UK Research and Innovation-led review in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Exeter University, showed that Brits spending time by the sea reported increased happiness, better general health and were more physically active during their visit, compared to visits to other types of environment.

The Evidence statement called The Well-being and Human Health Benefits of Exposure to the Marine and Coastal Environment highlights the important role of marine conservation work as visits to marine and coastal areas with designated or protected status and those with higher levels of biodiversity were associated with higher levels of calmness, relaxation and revitalisation, compared to locations without this status.

The report also warns that in the coming decades, climate change and extreme weather has the potential to jeopardise sensitive marine habitats, demonstrating the importance of the UK’s network of Marine Protected Areas.

Follow this link to read Defra evidence statement on The Well-being and Human Health Benefits of Exposure to the Marine and Coastal Environment

Follow this link to read what Defra has to say about it

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