Ocean Literacy: Past, Present, and Future

Ocean Literacy began as a campaign in the United States to infuse ocean science content into science education standards - where such content, not only in the US, was virtually non-existent. Because this effort was hyper-focused, the scientists, educators, and policy makers forming the core of the movement could not have foreseen the global impact of Ocean Literacy. While the original intent of ensuring all students knew and understood the basics of ocean science was necessary, the need for a broader understanding of the importance of the Ocean to everyone on planet Earth is critical.

Today, Ocean Literacy encompasses natural and social sciences, research and society, communications and outreach, as well as formal and non-formal education. Originally defined as an understanding of the Ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the Ocean, social science research indicates an expanded definition is necessary, inclusive of multiple dimensions and different ways of “knowing” the Ocean. These important scientific insights play a critical role in helping government officials and society make better informed decisions regarding the Ocean and its resources.

As noted in Ocean Literacy Principle 1 and the title of the One Ocean Science Congress, Earth has one big Ocean. It is a major influence on weather and climate, and makes Earth habitable. Although largely unexplored, the Ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. And the Ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. Be it plastic pollution, the changing climate, or overfishing, harmful behaviors can lead to significant impacts on the overall health of humans and the Ocean. But the Ocean is also an incredible resource regarding culture, inspiration, and recreation. It is incumbent upon this Congress to utilize all of its collective scientific knowledge to further support the efforts of the third UN Ocean Decade conference, the UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goal 14. The foundation of all of these efforts is an Ocean Literate society.