The Sea Astounds Us: Human Behavior and Marine Environments

This is a book about the connections between marine environments and human behavior. Concepts drawn from the field of psychology, the scientific study of the brain, mind, and behavior, are discussed in terms of their relevance to coastal and ocean conservation.Categories of marine environments may be considered in several ways. They can be classified in terms of depth within the ocean. Often marine biologists use the term ecosystem to refer to different types of marine environments. For example, there are salt marshes, beaches, estuaries, the ocean floor, the broad ocean, inter-tidal zones, coral reefs, lagoons, and mangroves. In the book, we explore ways marine environments may interact with human behavior. The field of psychology offers valuable strategies for helping to preserve and protect the oceans and coastal areas. The book discusses the benefits of marine settings to human well-being and prosperity. We explore how techniques and methods developed in the field of psychology can be valuable in dealing with issues occurring in ocean and coastal settings. We explore variables that may have potency in terms of propelling individuals to conserve and protect marine conditions. We investigate several hypotheses, strategies, and innovations that can be useful in protecting and preserving our seas and coastal environments. The book also examines some of the ways humans interact with, and use marine environments for their own purposes. For example, we consider ocean activities such as sailing and surfing. We discuss how the human brain and nervous system interact with the ocean. We explore some Special Topics such as how people find their way at sea without navigation instruments, living and working in underwater environments, and psychological aspects of long distance ocean voyaging and sailing.