Developing an Ocean Literacy Framework: Lesson from an Analysis of Ocean Week Canada

Abstract

The UN Decade of Ocean Science and the Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) have led to increased recognition of the need for ocean education at all levels to increase ocean literacy. According to the Strategy, ocean literacy in Canada is multi-dimensional and includes ocean knowledge, values, and actions. This research project focuses on developing a multidimensional Framework using a multidisciplinary literature review and discussions with subject experts to better understand and evaluate ocean literacy. It applies the Framework through online anonymous surveys with Ocean Week Canada participants. The results indicate that this annual ocean celebration is crucial to fostering ocean connections. However, the event currently draws a non-random audience who are mostly young highly educated females and are already engaged with the ocean. Results demonstrate that other than measuring the ocean literacy levels of the respondents, the Framework and surveys can provide feedback to identify deficiencies and enhance ocean literacy initiatives. The author recommends that ocean literacy researchers and educators use the results as a tool to systematically evaluate ocean literacy initiatives while considering the interconnectedness between ocean knowledge, values, and actions. Ocean literacy initiatives should use an adaptive, collaborative, and integrated approach to ocean education to ensure that they are accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Keywords: ocean literacy, framework, evaluation, case study, Ocean Week, UN Ocean Decade, survey