Ocean on the Edge
Top 10 Ocean Issues
Ocean Literacy
When people think of literacy, reading and writing are usually the immediate associations. But the term is now applied to many sectors, such as computer literacy or financial literacy. Ocean literacy is an understanding that the ocean affects you and you affect the ocean no matter where you live. Ocean literate people understand these essential principals relating to the ocean:
- The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
- The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.
- The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
- The ocean makes Earth habitable.
- The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
- The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
- The ocean is largely unexplored.
The average American has little knowledge of coastal and ocean ecosystems and how we are affecting them. Therefore, the Aquarium has made it a priority to be a leader in enhancing public ocean literacy at regional, state, and national levels. Our guest lecture series on ocean issues is one important way people can learn more about the ocean.
