We raise our voice for all things #thinkOcean. We want to encourage the government, decision makers and other organisations to start a conversation about the role of human behaviour change and emotional connection in achieving a healthy Ocean.
We help to start these conversations by advocating for Ocean Literacy.
An ‘Ocean-literate’ community has a strong connection to the Ocean, understanding the various values and services a healthy Ocean provides, such as community wellbeing, a sense of place, and sustainable development.
Therefore, Ocean Literacy is a key mechanism for change and central to achieving the goals set out locally and nationally within UK marine, social and environmental policy, and internationally with the UN Ocean Decade’s Ten Challenges, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
We call on the government to boost Ocean Literacy
We want the government to recognise Ocean Literacy as a method of delivering on goals that are wider than just the marine sphere and support it as a multi-disciplinary tool for marine, social and cultural development. We have co-chaired the White Paper on UN Ocean Decade’s Challenge 10 “Restoring Society’s Relationship with the Ocean” which puts forward a robust case for cross policy integration of Ocean literacy to restore our Ocean relationships.
We urge the government to recognise the role of an Ocean literate society for pro-Ocean behaviour and ask for support in the implementation of the White Paper Outcomes.
We call on the government to support and implement England’s Ocean Literacy Strategy
In the UK, Wales is leading with its Y Môr a Ni, the UK’s first national Ocean Literacy Strategy. Such a strategy needs to inspire and motivate people across society to adopt behaviours that ensure a healthy Ocean, sustaining all life now and in the future.
We urge Westminster to expedite the implementation of its own Strategy, which includes mechanisms to help people access the Ocean, understand its ecosystem services, and integrate actions for Ocean health into everyday actions and decision-making.
We call on the government to ensure every child learns about the Ocean at school
Over 80% of people agree that children must have the chance to learn about the Ocean at school. Currently, Ocean education is only compulsory at the primary level, and it is rarely addressed any other time. Learning about the Ocean brings huge benefits for students to gain knowledge about our climate, food sources and water safety. It can boost wellbeing, increase aspirations towards blue careers, and increase their connection to nature.
We urge the government to allow every child to learn about the Ocean through the integration of Ocean literacy and Ocean topics into the curriculum, in Science, Geography and Citizenship, at all key stages.
We call on local governments to declare an urgent need for Ocean recovery
The Motion for the Ocean seeks to help all local and national governments take action to improve Ocean health. It helps them recognise that the Ocean is a fundamental part of climate regulation and that it must be considered as part of an effective climate emergency response.
We urge governments to commit to a more ecologically healthy sea and to include the Ocean in planning and decision-making.
We call on the government to support our Ocean Habitats
Blue Meadows is our holistic programme for subtidal seagrass protection, regeneration and restoration at scale. Our current protection and restoration sites are located across the South and South West of England, with 12 hectares restored and 208 hectares protected since the programme began in 2020.
We call on the government to support projects such as Blue Meadows that contribute to the UK’s climate, nature and restoration targets, by reviewing the current Marine Licencing System to streamline the process, and consider reducing the financial burden on charities.
The earth is 71% Ocean, we are an island nation, we are inextricably linked to our Ocean, for life, for wellbeing. That is why these conservations are so important. We have to act now for a future with a healthy, thriving Ocean.
