Advances in Marine Medical Nutrition: Achieving an Ecological Balance

This overview of oceanic ecological balance, considering the interplay between climate change and pollution, versus the role of nutraceuticals and functional foods, is supported by the study of marine ecogenetics and marine biotechnology, which helps understand the impact of nutraceuticals and sustainable food supply on environmental stress. It employs species-centric (indicator and keystone species) and trait-based (species interactions) approaches to ecological well-being. The focus is on ocean-zone ecology, from sea-foam to the hadopelagic depths, documenting animal species (such as oysters, mussels, limpets, pteropods, scallops, squid, fishes, eels, and crustaceans, where relevant) with examples of location and food sources, including mention of passive and active restoration of marine ecological systems; the role of sea trade in influencing such a hypothetical balance of marine nutritional products, including bioactive molecules from the deep sea that serve as antioxidants, anti-obesity agents, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antidiabetic agents; as well as treatments for other chronic diseases. There is a growing importance of marine pharmacognosy, marine (blue) biotechnology, and the concept of human global harmony arising from the biosphere to the noosphere. Recognizing our ecologically damaged noosphere, a threshold is envisioned for the development of the sophiosphere, fostering a culture that balances human medical and nutritional needs with ecological stability, environmental conservation, and the survival of endangered species. This is achieved by employing new industrial economies, blue biotechnology, and promoting a marine-based bioeconomy, all while promoting convivial societies amidst today’s ecological challenges.