In the vast, interconnected world of ocean sustainability, a new study published in ‘Ocean and Society’ (translated to English as ‘Ocean and Society’) is making waves, quite literally. Led by Rachel Kelly, a researcher at the Centre for Marine Socioecology and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, Australia, the study delves into the burgeoning field of ocean literacy and its potential to engage society in the pursuit of ocean sustainability.
So, what’s the big deal about ocean literacy? Well, imagine it as a conceptual measure of people’s awareness, attitudes, and behaviors towards the ocean. It’s not just about knowing that the ocean is big and blue; it’s about understanding its role in our lives, the threats it faces, and how we can protect it. Kelly and her team argue that ocean literacy is a powerful tool for engaging and educating people on ocean issues, and it’s a key objective in recent ocean sustainability agreements, including the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
In Australia, ocean literacy is gaining traction, and Kelly’s study takes stock of recent work in this area. The goal? To explore how inter and transdisciplinary approaches can advance ocean literacy under sustainability objectives. “We need to collaboratively develop a national ocean literacy strategy,” Kelly emphasizes, “to guide and structure these efforts and to establish an Australian ocean literacy coalition to facilitate research, cross-sector collaboration, and implementation in practice.”
But what does this mean for the maritime sectors? Well, for starters, it’s an opportunity to engage with communities at all levels, from local fishermen to international shipping companies. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, maritime sectors can connect people to the ocean, promoting sustainable practices and policies. This could lead to innovative solutions for reducing marine pollution, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Moreover, building strong and actionable policy and funding frameworks could open up new avenues for funding and investment in marine education and research. This could benefit maritime sectors by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to operate sustainably and responsibly.
In essence, Kelly’s study is a call to action for the maritime sectors to embrace ocean literacy as a means of engaging with society and promoting ocean sustainability. It’s a chance to be part of a global movement that’s working towards a healthier, more sustainable ocean. As Kelly puts it, “We need to support ocean learning and education, engage communities at all levels, and foster cross-sector collaboration on connecting people to the ocean.” So, let’s dive in and make a splash!