Ocean Literacy: Connection to the Coast

Ocean literacy is defined as 'an understanding of the ocean's influence on a person and their influence on the ocean' (UNESCO, n.d.). There are ten elements of ocean literacy: knowledge, awareness, attitude, behaviour, activism, communication, emotional connection, access & experience, adaptive capacity, and trust & transparency (Marine Conservation Society, n.d.)

A survey on ocean literacy in Scotland was undertaken in 2022 by the Scottish Government. When asked about emotional responses to the coast, the top five emotions expressed by those surveyed were:

• 51% concern
• 41% awe/wonder
• 29% curiosity
• 25% calm/relaxed
• 15% frustration

85% of people felt it was important to protect marine environment. When asked about perceptions of marine health:

• 11% believe the health of the global marine environment is very good or good, whilst 59% rated it poor or very poor
• 27% believe health of the Scottish marine environment is very good/good, whilst 35% rated it poor or very poor

A survey of ocean literacy in Fife was undertaken in 2021 which found that people were generally more aware of global than local issues, and more aware of threats and problems than of solutons to ocean and climate health (Spoors et al, 2021). Improving connections to the coast and the ocean can improve ocean literacy both global and local.

Education, cultural connection, technological developments, and knowledge exchange and science-policy interconnections have been identified as key drivers behind improving ocean literacy and people's connection the ocean (Kelly et al, 2022).

• Education: within schools, universities, experiential learning at museums, zoos, aquariams, through citizen science or recreational activities, and media (i.e. tv, books).
• Cultural connection: local and traditional knowledge and place-based attachment can inform on cultural identity, knowledge and values. If connection to the coast and ocean is part of local culture then ocean literacy will be improved.
• Technological developments: for example engagement and education through videos or  social media can change behaviours, 'influence' people. However, virtual experiences are not the same as reality and will not form the same emotional connection to the coast.
• Knowledge exchange and science-policy interactions: ocean and coastal policy must be founded in current scientific knowledge and evidence. Community-led research can be highly effective in both futhering scientific understanding of local areas and improving connection to the coast - e.g. Community of Arran Seabed Trust intiative (COAST, n.d.).