Sustainable and regenerative sport and physical activity in blue spaces: a scoping review

Blue spaces such as oceans, rivers, and lakes are increasingly recognised as sites where physical activity, well-being, and environmental concerns intersect. This scoping review examines how sport and physical activity in blue spaces are addressed across current research, identifying dominant approaches and emerging critical debates. Forty-seven studies were included, revealing a strong emphasis on individual health benefits from swimming, surfing, and related practices, while issues linked to ecological degradation, social inequities, and regenerative management remain limited. Using a regenerative sustainability lens, the review highlights the multifunctionality and contested nature of blue spaces, arguing that sport practices can contribute to both human well-being and ecological restoration when guided by more integrative approaches. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary and socially engaged research capable of connecting sport, environmental governance, and community participation. The review also outlines key gaps and proposes pathways for advancing regenerative thinking within sport and physical activity contexts.