We are fortunate to be in a time when the ocean is increasingly recognised as a crucial component in addressing the climate crisis. In this context, ocean literacy has become increasingly important for bridging the gap between knowledge, behaviour, and societal change, enabling informed and effective actions to address climate change and protect the ocean.
At a European level, the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) has taken a leading role in advancing ocean literacy efforts. The EMSEA serves as a network of marine educators advocating for a unified voice across Europe and beyond. Its mission is to act as a hub for the European marine education community, promoting and delivering ocean literacy through collaboration with scientists, teachers, policymakers, and the public.
In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Ocean Literacy concept, Juanita Zorrilla represented SUBMON at the EMSEA 2024 conference in Zadar, Croatia. She presented two of our flagship projects, OCEAN CITIZEN and Sea2See, both of which emphasise the critical role of ocean literacy in raising awareness and fostering engagement. The event highlighted the growing impact of ocean literacy, focusing on empowering individuals to tackle today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The conference provided a platform for practitioners from diverse disciplines and countries to share their progress, achievements, and challenges in ocean literacy. It showcased how ocean literacy is contributing to a broad range of fields, including science, education, policy, communications,inclusivity, and research.
During the conference, Juanita Zorrilla had the opportunity to highlight the Sea2See project, which focused on how seafood literacy can enhance the regenerative blue economy, and the OCEAN CITIZEN project, which emphasised the importance of integrating art and storytelling into the scientific dialogue on ocean literacy. Both projects demonstrate SUBMON’s commitment to innovative approaches in marine conservation and education.
Juanita Zorrilla at the EMSEA conference. Photo credit: EMSEA conference organisation
Our participation in the 2024 EMSEA conference in Croatia was a fantastic opportunity to highlight our commitment to ocean literacy. As we celebrate 20 years of the Ocean Literacy movement, it is essential to reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead. At SUBMON, we are committed to expanding our resources, communication methods, and geographical reach to ensure our efforts continue to drive meaningful change.
