The concept of ocean literacy is about our ability to understand the ocean's impact on us and our impact on the ocean and is an integral part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

 Nordland Research Institute has partnered up with Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to host a four our interactive side event endorsed by the UN Ocean Conference. The event works with 16 other partners to showcase how the EU project EmpowerUs and many other projects integrated ocean literacy into interdisciplinary research projects. 

- If we are to succeed with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, ocean literacy is crucial. The term is increasingly included when research funding is announced, but what does this really mean for both researchers and funders? That's what we'll be talking about at the seminar, says Liz Morris-Webb, senior researcher at Nordland Research Institute, a key member of EmpowerUs and organiser of the seminar. 

-  We'll dive deeper into how marine scientists and interdisciplinary teams can work with ocean literacy. Whether you are a funder, decision-maker or researcher, this seminar is for you, she promises. 

From marine strategies to Minecraft

The seminar programme is in two parts. From 10:00 to 12:00 there will be presentations and a panel discussion.

- Ocean literacy starts at home - with the decision-makers who are shaping our future, the funders who write the calls for proposals, the marine scientists who plan projects and the research communicators, says Morris-Webb. 

The programme opens with a keynote by Professor Ronaldo Christofoletti, Chair of the International Oceanographic Commission’s Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy, and an active scientist leading several large transdisciplinary, and international science projects. 

- In addition, he has directly influenced policy in several countries through his advocacy of ocean literacy as a way of working, and as a fundamental pathway to success in the ocean decade, says Morris-Webb. 

Seminar participants will then hear from a diverse panel of speakers who have been involved in either designing calls for proposals or leading projects where ocean literacy has been a key component. The question to be discussed is: “What do funders mean by ocean literacy, and what should we as scientists be aspiring for?”

The panel comprises: 

• Dr Emma McKinley (Cardiff University), on working with the Welsh Coasts and Sea's Partnership and the development of the UK's first marine science strategy, Y Môr a Ni (The Sea and Us).
• Professor Siri Granum Carson (Research Council of Norway's Secretariat for the Oceans and NTNU) on how they work with ocean knowledge.
• Dr Liz Morris-Webb (Nordland Research Institute) on EmpowerUs, an interdisciplinary EU Horizon project that aims to implement ocean literacy as a way of working to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities in six countries.
• Janire Villacorta (ECOP, Institut de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC) on integrating ocean knowledge with seabed scientists and fishermen in her PhD work.
• Camille Rivera-Roa (Oceanus Conservation), on how she got mangrove forests into Minecraft and her work on citizen science and community capacity building in the Philippines.
   

A substantial toolbox

From 12:00 to 14:00, “Fish for ocean literacy”, a showcase networking event will take place.

- This part of the event provides both researchers and clients with a variety of tips, tools and examples of how to work with ocean literacy for different target groups, says Morris-Webb. 

- How can you reach your target audience about your research?  We present ways of working aimed at researchers, fishermen, various sectors of society, the general public - both young and old - and even decision-makers and politicians. 

Morris-Webb says this part of the seminar showcases global examples, toolkits, ocean and community surveys, communication tools and networks that can help you identify the most appropriate tools, content and audience to make your project more impactful. 

- You'll see a range of different forms of ocean knowledge - presented in an educational and entertaining way, she says. 

Showcase partners and hosts:

Nordland Research Institute, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), International Oceanographic Commission’s Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy, Cardiff University, Ocean Literacy Researcher Community, Research Council for Norway’s Ocean Secretariat, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Institut de Ciències del Mar, Oceanus Conservation, Galway Atlantaquaria, Irish Ocean Literacy Network,  Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition, The Ocean Race, ERINN Innovation ; University College Cork, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UN Early Career Ocean Professionals , Empathea Blue Ltda + more!

Projects involved:

EmpowerUs, PREP4BLUE; The Ocean Race; CoastSupport; Ocean Literacy with All (OLWA) - Ocean Decade; ECOP Blue Citizenship training tool for Ocean Scientists; Y Môr a Ni (The Sea and Us), The Ocean and Society Survey; Explorers Education Programme Ocean Champion project; Amhráin na Mara community music project; Galway Bay is Calling Project; ResBios and Gorgònia Barcelona;  + more!