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Cetaceans are indicators of ocean health, influence marine ecosystem dynamics and hold socio‐economic importance for coastal whaling communities. Yet whale–whaler relationships remain poorly understood and are increasingly compromised under the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Here, we briefly outline the importance of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales) as indicators of ocean health and their roles in marine ecosystems. We then provide a perspective on key research needs to improve odontocete conservation amid these growing anthropogenic threats. Major knowledge gaps need to be addressed regarding how climate change affects odontocete distribution, trophic interactions and whaling practices. Pollution research on odontocetes should consider contaminants in the context of the nutritional, socio‐economic and cultural value of traditionally harvested species relative to range‐shifting odontocetes and other foods. To reveal anthropogenic impacts on odontocete population sustainability and biodiversity, cetologists should capitalize on new techniques including population genomics and aquatic telemetry at ocean‐wide scales. Finally, strong partnerships between local whaling communities and international‐scale research efforts are essential to address the scales at which these coupled systems interact to support sustainability of odontocetes and vulnerable human populations.
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This content will become publicly available on April 1, 2027
Toxic tides of change: Ocean pollution as a cultural tipping point
Abstract This paper offers a new perspective on the valuation of the impacts of industrial ocean pollution. Rising levels of industrial pollutants have a profound impact on marine resource-dependent peoples, particularly those dependent on seafood consumption. We argue that current regulation of these pollutants is both insufficient and inequitable, as it only accounts for impacts on physical health while ignoring cultural implications. This paper introduces the “cultural tipping point” as a new framework that integrates the impacts of ocean pollution on peoples’ physical and cultural health and well-being. Drawing on anthropology, marine sciences, public health, and critical Indigenous studies, the cultural tipping point synthesizes diverse concepts of “cultural keystone species,” food sovereignty, and industrial pollution. Ultimately, our goal is to make the cultural impacts of ocean pollution legible within global governance networks, and to advocate for greater allocation of societal resources to address this issue.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2108452
- PAR ID:
- 10674287
- Publisher / Repository:
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Ambio
- Volume:
- 55
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 0044-7447
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 783 to 793
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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