Emotions for Sustainable Oceans: Implications for Marine Conservation

Evan J. Andrews () and Sarah E. Wolfe
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Evan J. Andrews: Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
Sarah E. Wolfe: School of Environment and Sustainability, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: This essay examines emotions as a critical, yet underutilized, dimension in marine conservation and ocean sustainability science. Drawing on cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, human geography, and political ecology, we argue that integrating emotional dimensions into research, policy, and practice can enhance both understanding and action toward marine conservation and ocean sustainability. We conceptualize emotions, and explore their experiential and functional implications in marine contexts. Using targeted case examples and theories, we identify both opportunities and challenges for applying emotional insights in research, policy, and practice, including barriers posed by dominant rationality models of human decision-making. We present intellectual pathways as well as research, methodological and policy agendas to integrate emotions into marine conservation research and strategies. Our analysis responds to gaps in the literature and provides actionable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners during the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Keywords: emotions; marine conservation; rationality; ocean governance; marine protection; human dimensions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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