The vast oceans that cover our planet are home to a myriad of species, each with its own unique behaviors and survival strategies. However, the interaction between marine animals and humans is not always harmonious. Violence, though rare, can occur between these two groups, often with severe consequences. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, impacts, and possible solutions to the violence between marine animals and humans, highlighting the need for a balanced and respectful coexistence.
From the Mental Research Institute (MRI), the study of otters has a powerful history. Gregory Bateson and John Weakland once visited the San Francisco Zoo to study their behavior as part of relational interactions. How does communication take place? What is play? What is aggression? We understand the causes behind negative interactions between marine animals and humans, but what are we going to do about it? In some cases, violence arises due to natural behaviors such as territorial defense or predation. On the other hand, human activities like surfing and habitat destruction can disturb the delicate ecosystems on which marine animals depend. These disturbances can cause stress, displacement, and changes in behaviors, increasing the likelihood of violent encounters. Santa Cruz Otter Incident
The impacts of violence between marine animals and humans go beyond the immediate physical harm: nothing good awaits the otter that aggressively jumps onto the surfboards of surfers in Santa Cruz, California. Removing this “aggressive” otter will also disrupt social structures and reproductive behaviors, jeopardizing the species’ long-term survival. From the human side, encounters with aggressive marine animals can result in injuries or deaths, creating fear and a negative perception of these creatures, which in turn can lead to more of what hasn’t worked in the past: “Let’s hunt otters… again!” The reader should remember that California’s sea otters were hunted nearly to extinction for their fur until the mid-20th century. Extensive reintroduction was necessary, with a limited genetic pool and campaigns to appease the public in their favor. This history should also resonate with seal pups, which were beaten to death for their fur. We must thank Brigitte Bardot for the campaign that resulted in fewer fur coats among the upper class in cold climates.
Efforts to promote coexistence between marine animals and humans are crucial to preventing violence and ensuring the long-term well-being of both parties. Education and awareness play a key role in fostering understanding and respect. By educating the public about marine animal behavior, their ecological importance, and conservation measures, we can reduce misunderstandings and encourage responsible interactions. This includes informing beachgoers and water enthusiasts about safety guidelines, respecting the wild nature of these creatures, and recognizing that we, as humans, must give them space: they were here before we arrived on the scene!
Regulatory measures and conservation policies can help minimize conflicts. Establishing marine protected areas and managing pollution are vital steps to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities is essential to designing and implementing effective strategies.
The violence between marine animals and humans is a complex issue, much like families are complex systems where each situation must be analyzed as unique to implement lasting and sustainable changes. As stewards of our planet, it is our responsibility to find ways to coexist peacefully with the incredible diversity of marine life. When we learn from each situation, we can begin to see patterns that may repeat, and thus develop educational programs and some regulations, in the case of marine wildlife, in an effort to prevent symmetrical escalations where the family continues in a vicious cycle, and our friends in the sea lose the battle in the short term, but we are all poorer in their absence.
