We are proud to launch our latest Ocean Youth initiative: Closing the Ocean Literacy Gap in Australian Schools. The project comes at a pivotal moment: the UN Ocean Decade, recent UN Ocean Conferences, and Australia’s own Sustainable Ocean Plan have highlighted the urgent need for stronger ocean knowledge across society – to protect marine health and harness the growing blue economy.
Even as an island nation with some of the world’s most diverse marine environments, Australia still has surprisingly low levels of ocean literacy. Students often learn about space science, but ocean science rarely features in the core curriculum. Without this understanding, young Australians miss out on how the ocean shapes climate, food security, and cultural identity – and the chance to become the next generation of scientists, innovators, and ocean stewards.
This initiative aims to change that. By identifying gaps in education, expanding the Blue Schools Network, and creating a national network of ocean educators to share resources and best practice, the project gives students the knowledge and skills they need to understand and protect our oceans.
Turning learning into action is central to the approach. By connecting students to real-world challenges, the project helps shift eco-anxiety into practical solutions. We are inviting educators across Australia to get involved, so together we can equip young people to care for the ocean – and in doing so, safeguard the future of the planet.
To find out more or get involved, please get in touch