People, oceans and scale: governance, livelihoods and climate change adaptation in marine social-ecological systems

► Interactions of people and oceans take place within marine social-ecological systems. ► Governance is complex in marine settings: decision-making must include values, goals and dynamics. ► Scale is a key factor in governance: local-level marine systems need greater attention and support. ► New research on livelihoods and well-being provides important lessons for marine governance. ► Sustainability and resilience of marine systems depend on success in adaptation to climate change.