Oceans, Planets, and Other Worlds: Blue Humanities in Science Fiction Literature

Abstract

Blue Humanities has emerged as an important interdisciplinary field that
examines the cultural, ecological, and political significance of oceans and aquatic
environments. In contemporary science fiction literature, oceans are increasingly
represented not only as physical spaces but also as dynamic agents that shape
planetary futures, ecological relationships, and posthuman identities. This study
investigates the role of Blue Humanities in science fiction literature, focusing on
how authors imagine oceans, aquatic worlds, and extraterrestrial marine
environments as sites of ecological interaction, cultural transformation, and
speculative futures.
Using qualitative thematic analysis, the study examines selected science fiction
novels and narratives that foreground oceanic environments, planetary
waterscapes, and marine ecosystems. Particular attention is given to
representations of oceanic agency, climate change, sea-level rise, aquatic
civilizations, marine biodiversity, and human–ocean interdependence. The
analysis explores how these narratives challenge anthropocentric perspectives by
emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, non-human species, and
planetary systems.
The findings reveal that oceanic agency (30%), climate change and sea-level rise
(25%), human–ocean interdependence (20%), marine biodiversity conservation
(15%), and posthuman aquatic futures (10%) are dominant themes within
contemporary science fiction literature. These themes demonstrate the growing
influence of environmental concerns and ecological awareness in speculative
storytelling. Science fiction narratives frequently portray oceans as active
participants in planetary processes rather than passive backgrounds, encouraging
readers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with aquatic ecosystems.
The study concludes that Blue Humanities provides a valuable framework for
understanding the ecological imagination of contemporary science fiction. By
depicting oceans as interconnected spaces that link environmental, cultural, and
technological systems, science fiction contributes to broader discussions
regarding sustainability, climate adaptation, and planetary futures. Ultimately,
these narratives encourage readers to recognize the importance of marine
environments in shaping both present realities and future possibilities.