Blue Environments and Health

We are examining the opportunities that oceans, rivers and other water-based environments present to human health and wellbeing. This globally valued work is having a meaningful impact on policy makers and communities locally, nationally and internationally.

News

Wild swimming boosts mental health more than open air pools

25 Mar 2025

Research spanning 19 countries suggests plunging into a lake, river, or ocean can enhance the effects of swimming outdoors.
Research project

BlueAdapt

A Horizon Europe project examining how climate change can impact coastal pathogens and human health.
Impact

Building global capacity for marine planning and health

Providing capacity-building training in evidence synthesis to researchers across Southeast Asia.
Impact

Oceans and human health pioneers

We have been an international leader in oceans and health research for over a decade, pioneering several pan-European projects and outputs.
Research project

Oceans and human health second edition

A new published volume exploring the ecosystem services offered by oceans, as well as the risks and benefits they pose to human health.
Impact

Bluespace as a public health resource

We have examined the benefits of blue spaces to well-being, identifying them as vital national and international public health resources.
Research project

BlueHealth

A transdisciplinary international consortium that investigated how aquatic environments can affect the health of Europe’s population.
News

Centre research highlighted by Chief Medical Officer

29 Jul 2021

The health benefits of coastal living have been highlighted by expert authors of a new chapter in the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report.

News

Visiting water bodies worth £700bn to economies, study finds

9 Mar 2021

Europeans spend more than £700 billion (€800bn) a year on recreational visits to water bodies – but perceived poor water quality costs almost £90 billion (€100bn) in lost visits, a new study has found.
Research project

GCRF Blue Communities

A four-year project developing initiatives that promote the sustainable use of marine resources in East and South-East Asia.
Research project

Virtual blue spaces for psychological wellbeing

Using virtual reality to explore how beaches and coasts might improve psychological wellbeing.
Research project

Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe

A pan-European initiative to coordinate research into the links between the marine environment and human health.