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Ocean Literacy

An Understanding of Human Impact on the Ocean and Vice Versa

What Is Ocean Literacy?

Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you—and your influence on the ocean.

An ocean-literate person:

  • understands the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts about the ocean
  • can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way
  • is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.

The 7 Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences

  1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
  2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.
  3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
  4. The ocean made 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.
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Resources

View Brochure PDF