Marine health hubs: Building interdisciplinary regional hubs of excellence to research and address the societal impacts of marine debris

Abstract

The marine debris challenge requires an interdisciplinary solution, integrating environmental management, public health, stake-holder engagement, capacity building, along with scientific advances. Marine Health Hubs (MHHs), or regional hubs of excellence utilizing interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle marine debris from environmental, economic, and social perspectives, including health and social equity, are a proposed solution to address this challenge. Applying a collective impact approach, MHHs would build capacity across the research-to-application continuum: advancing research and technology development, translating science for informed policymaking, increasing awareness through outreach and citizen engagement, and establishing performance-based programs for accountability and continuous improvement. Across this continuum, stakeholder engagement would ensure locally and culturally appropriate research, tools, and interventions. The strategy and prioritization of each MHH’s activities would vary, depending on a region’s infrastructure, assets, and needs; however, utilizing a capacity-building framework, MHHs would implement consensus-based agenda setting, and applied learning for knowledge transfer and peer-to-peer information sharing. This framework has been successfully employed for other environmental governance efforts seeking to address transboundary environmental health threats. Through co-development, co-design, and co-investment, MHHs would serve as self-sustaining programs capable of adapting to evolving needs, efficiently utilizing resources to reduce plastics pollution, and improve environmental and health outcomes.