Ocean literacy
What is ocean literacy?
Becoming ocean literate means becoming aware of how crucial the ocean is to life on our planet. It's about becoming aware of how dependent we are of the ocean, what we get from the ocean, how it affects us and how we affect it.
Although we live on land, our lives are closely connected with the ocean.
For example, about 70% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the sea. Photosynthesis, the process by which oxygen is released, originated in the ocean over 2 billion years ago. The ocean is also the basis of the water cycle, which gives us fresh water to drink, to grow food with and to take care of our hygiene. The ocean provides us with food and regulates our climate.
Without the ocean we would not be able to live here, so it is important to become aware that a healthy ocean is essential for a living planet. We must care about the Ocean!
The UN has designated 2021-2030 as " The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development " and an important part of the work with this decade for marine research is increased ocean literacy.
There are seven basic principles that underlie ocean literacy:
​
1. Earth has one big ocean
with many features.
2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape
the features of the Earth.
3. The ocean is a major influence
on weather and climate.
4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.
5. The ocean supports a great diversity
of life and ecosystems.
6. The ocean and humans are
inextricably interconnected.
7. The ocean is largely unexplored.
If you want to learn more about ocean literacy, read more here
Here are some who have already learned how to communicate important messages about the ocean!
​
Department Blixten at Floda preschool have created this film about Sille the Herring