Exemplary Practices in Marine Science Education: A Resource for Practitioners and Researchers

Abstract

An ocean literate person is someone who understands the fundamental concepts about the functioning of the ocean, who is able to communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way and who is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. Before diving into this book describing inspiring practices aiming at increasing ocean literacy around the world, this introduction will set the scene. This chapter starts by describing the environmental context in which citizens live and what it entails in terms of knowledge and responsible behaviour in relation to the marine environment. Then, a brief history of ocean literacy is provided in order to provide some context to this book. Finally, this introduction concludes with a reflection on the different challenges encountered when teaching about the ocean and the importance to publish initiatives that promote marine education inside and outside of school for citizens of all age.