marinature

Marinature is a neologism used to describe the natural world of the oceans and seas, along with the study, appreciation, and preservation of those environments. The term merges marine and nature to underscore both ecological processes and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of marine life. It is not an officially defined discipline, but appears in science communication, environmental education, and some interdisciplinary programs as a lens for integrating ecological science with conservation and public engagement.

Scope and usage

Marinature encompasses coastal and open-ocean ecosystems such as coral reefs, kelp forests, seagrass beds, mangroves, salt marshes, and deep-sea habitats, together with the processes that sustain them—primary production, predation, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling. It also considers human interactions with marine environments, including fisheries, tourism, pollution, and coastal infrastructure. Practices associated with marinature include ecosystem-based management, habitat restoration, and nature-based solutions to climate change, such as mangrove and seagrass restoration.

Relation to related fields

Marinature overlaps with marine biology, marine ecology, and conservation science but tends to emphasize ecosystem-level function and the human relationship with marine nature. In cultural contexts, marinature appears in art, literature, and advocacy to promote stewardship and a sense of responsibility toward marine environments.

Limitations

Because the term lacks standardized definition, marinature can be vague or overlap with established concepts like marine conservation, ocean ecology, or ecotourism. Its use is largely heuristic and informal, rather than a formal academic or policy designation.

See also

Marine biology; Marine ecology; Conservation biology; Ecotourism; Nature-based solutions.