The Timeless Connection Between Humans and the Ocean Heritage

Humans have always nurtured a strict connection with the ocean in different parts of the globe. Across cultures and millennia, civilizations have relied on the sea for food, trade, and even spiritual significance. Today, as we face increasing threats to marine ecosystems, it is more important than ever to remind ourselves that a deep, respectful, and even spiritual relationship with the ocean is needed.

Ancient Connections to the Sea

The Whale Paintings of Chile

Almost 1,500 years ago. One of the earliest recorded connections between humans and the sea can be found in Atacama, Chile. The inhabitants of Chile's northern coast were likely highly skilled fishermen and marine hunters. Their paintings depict whales, swordfish, and sharks as well as the capture of sea lions and turtles with precision and knowledge passed down through generations.

This artistic expression highlights a deep respect for ocean life, reflecting a spiritual and cultural bond that transcended mere survival.

Ocean Heritage — Izcuña ravine depicts a whale hunt. Source: National Geographic.

Water in Roman Civilization

The Romans understood the power and necessity of water using this knowledge in their city plans. Their advanced aqueduct systems, public baths, and fountains showcased their appreciation for the element. But not only. Water and navigation knowledge played a central role in Roman diplomacy and daily life, with marine trade routes being at the heart of the empire's geopolitics, supporting reach and wealth. Roman mythology also acknowledged the ocean’s intangible power, with deities like Neptune embodying its vast and unpredictable nature. Sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and alfresco dedicated to the ocean can be found in diverse ancient Roman cities such as Genoa.

Blue Hidden Treasures

Sea Silk from Sicily

For centuries, Sicilian artisans have harvested sea silk, a rare and luxurious textile made from the byssus of Mediterranean pen shells. This delicate, golden-hued fibre has been a symbol of wealth and craftsmanship, demonstrating how humans have utilized marine resources for cultural and artistic purposes.

In recent years, the European Union created regulations that impact the harvesting and use of byssus textiles, primarily due to conservation concerns, making it illegal now to harvest byssus in the Mediterranean.

However, the craft of working with byssus is recognized as a heritage, preserved through generations of skilled artisans. Today, Mrs. Chiara Vigo stands as its foremost guardian in Italy, dedicating her life to keeping this rare and ancient tradition alive.

Sponges from the deep

The Aegean Sea has long been a source of natural sea sponges, which were traditionally harvested by divers. Bath sponges have been collected and used in the Mediterranean Sea since prehistoric times, figures like Plato and Homer described the sponge as an important hygiene tool used during bathing.

Sponges are also mentioned in classical Greek literature. One interesting mention comes from Oppian, a Greek writer from the 2nd century BC, in his work Halieutica (5.612). He gives us a detailed look at how sponge fishermen worked at the time, describing everything from their prayers to Apollo before diving, to the gear they used.

Kalymnos, the ancient global center for the practice, in Greece, now hosts 80 divers that use manual sponge harvesting as their main source of income.

We tend not to give value to sponges as in a simple supermarket, we can grab a plastic sponge for just a few bucks, but a natural sea sponge, from the Mediterranean can cost over 30€. Gathering these sponges is risky and unreliable, with no assurance of a significant return, also causing a decrease in sea sponge populations.

The Bajau People: Living with the Ocean

The Bajo ethnic group, also known as the Bajau (or in some regions, the Sama), is one of the most distinctive communities in the world. Their unique way of life and cultural traditions set them apart, making them truly remarkable. Few cultures exemplify human dependence on and adaptation to the ocean as vividly as the Bajau people. Sometimes called "Sea Nomads," or "Sea People", the Bajau have lived for centuries on houseboats, diving to incredible depths without any diving modern equipment. They live in Sabah (Malaysia) and across various marine territories of Indonesia, especially in the eastern region reaching even Madagascar. Their ability to stay submerged for extended periods is due to their history and physiological adaptations.

Their way of life, entirely dependent on the sea, serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined our existence is with the ocean.

Ocean Heritage in a Rapidly Evolving World

As climate change, overfishing, and pollution threaten marine ecosystems, we must remind ourselves that human practices are also at risk of disappearing. Just as our ancestors honored the sea through art, mythology, and sustainable practices, we too must cultivate a deeper and ethical relationship with the waters that sustain us.

Modern conservation efforts, such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing initiatives, are some of the many needed steps in the right direction. However, true change comes from a shift in human perspective—one that sees the ocean not as a resource to exploit, but as a living entity deserving respect.

By looking to the past, from ancient whale paintings in Chile to the traditions of the Bajau, we can learn how to nurture a regenerative connection with the ocean—one rooted in conscious behaviours, sustainability, and even spirituality. Only by protecting our blue heritage, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the wonder, beauty, and life-giving power of the ocean.