SUBMARINER Network launches working group on Ocean Literacy

Our new WG is set to implement actions identified in this transversal action field, in line with the upcoming Roadmap. We’re keen to take it from kick-off to action and happy to add interested partners as we go along!

In the framework of our involvement in the EU4Ocean Coalition (an EU-wide Ocean Literacy initiative) we at SUBMARINER have formed a “Working group on ocean literacy”. The aim is to spread an awareness of our impact on the ocean and the ocean’s impact on us (no matter how far from the coast we live). It is still in the early stages but we can report that there has already been a lot of interest in this topic from our members and from partners outside the Network. Working in a similar fashion to the Mussels Working Group, we have established an initial discussion group based on our project partnership and the Network members who registered their interest.

As agreed during the Baltic-dedicated workshop within the EU4Ocean operational launch event, the WG will initially focus on three core actions:

• Establish a library of existing ocean literacy materials (with a Baltic focus) categorised by material format and target group.
• Develop a network with twin emphases on education centres (incl. museums and aquaria) with their primary research supporters on the one hand and schools and supporting organisations on the other.
• Work on a unified approach targeting consumers as a key group for the promotion of ocean literacy. We want to work with NGOs and retailers among others to achieve this.

In early December we hosted the first virtual discussion round on the topic of target group communication within OL and discovered many encouraging areas of convergence in which we can work together. The next WG discussion round will focus on crystalising a set of strategic and concrete goals within the wider aim of spreading awareness.

Anyone interested in joining this (informal!) working group is welcome to get in touch with Joanna at the SUBMARINER Network secretariat: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you’re interested in this hot topic as an organisation or individual, please consider becoming a member of the EU4Ocean Platform! More details