Marine diseases as a threat to society: Adopting and advancing the UNDRR risk framework

Marine diseases change ecosystem dynamics and functioning, and modify ecosystem service (e.g. food) provisioning. Understanding marine diseases’ occurrence and frequency, and consequences and impacts thereof, is crucial for humans and nature alike, though the implications for society beyond human health have received little attention in scientific debates yet. This study advocates for the uptake of marine diseases into hazard landscapes currently being evaluated and discusses the different components of risks that marine diseases pose to societies: Adopting the analytical lens of the UNDRR risk framework to oyster farms as a specific case, we explore disease outbreaks in those as hazards to society. Looking at associated exposure and vulnerability, potential risk reduction options are elaborated. The framework is broadened by including indirect and spill-over effects within the social-ecological system – to local coastal communities. Marine diseases management is challenged by the fluidity of the ocean and fragmented governance structures. To reduce social-ecological repercussions and overall risks for society of disease outbreaks we thus endorse for a thorough risk evaluation and sensible, anticipatory communication. • We apply the UNDRR risk framework, adopting it to the case of marine diseases. • Oyster diseases as a hazard to oyster populations and coastal societies is analysed, to then develop and discuss risk reduction options. • Risks and social-ecological impacts of marine disease outbreaks can be reduced by risk evaluation and proactive communication.