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The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
This year Seaweek will focus on Ocean Literacy Principle #6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. This theme compliments our Ngā Kōrero III Series and highlights the human connection to the ocean. We recently developed an ocean literacy educators guide to support educators in building ocean literacy in their classrooms. Many of these activities can also be incorporated into community events for Seaweek.
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Organise a Seaweek Event
Seaweek continues to grow and thrive because of the effort and energy of people like you!
People care about things they know and love - without opportunities to engage with and learn about the sea, there will always be people that are disconnected from it. Seaweek is an opportunity to bring people together to strengthen and build connections with each other and with the ocean.
There are so many ways to build positive connections and greater understanding of our relationship with the ocean. Past events have featured immersive ocean activities, guided walks/bikes/paddles, educational talks/presentations/workshops, beach/waterway clean-ups and/or monitoring, creative art workshops or art competitions, documentary/film screenings, citizen science initiatives, storytimes, festivals, sea-themed quiz nights and so much more! Our event summaries from Seaweek 2025 linked below are a great place to start looking for inspiration!
Seaweek events promote engagement through:
- Hands-on activities: Ocean recreation sparks curiosity and enthusiasm
- Sharing knowledge: Different perspectives and expertise weave together greater understanding and appreciation
- Creative expression: Art in all its forms capture emotion and enhance communication
- Inspiring action: Communities come together to make positive changes for our ocean
We have developed an event planning guide to help make your event planning process as straightforward as possible. The document includes a list of key considerations for your event, as well as a guide on how to submit your event to us. It also links to our digital assets that can be helpful as you plan and promote your event. We are here to help, reach out to us at seaweek@merc.org.nz with any questions!
Seaweek 2026 and Ocean Literacy
As part of our UNESCO endorsed activities aligning with the UN Decade of Ocean Science we are committed to increasing Ocean Literacy across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Ngā Kōrero III Series, supported by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, is focused on bringing Ocean Literacy Principles (OLPs) to life through online and in-person events. Complementing this series, Seaweek 2026 will be dedicated to OLP #6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. This theme fits nicely with our mission to provide opportunities for all people to discover the ways our lives are connected to the sea while bringing communities together to celebrate, learn, and explore. The events we support will highlight the many ways the ocean influences our daily lives and how our actions in turn influence the ocean. (link to Ngā Kōrero III Series)
What is Ocean Literacy?
Ocean Literacy generally means understanding the ocean's influence on us as well as our influence on the ocean. The Ocean Literacy Framework includes 7 Ocean Literacy Principles that are key to understanding our relationship with the ocean.
Ocean Literacy Principle #6 beautifully weaves together the other OLPs with emphasis on the human connection.
Some highlights of OLP 6:
- The ocean provides fresh water and oxygen, it shapes our coastlines, weather, and climate, supports economies, provides a means of transport around the globe as well as energy, medicines, minerals, and food for billions.
- It promotes wellbeing, creativity, and imagination through recreation, inspiration, exploration and discovery.
- Humans affect what is taken out as well as what goes into the ocean from fishing to mineral extraction and all of the various forms of pollution both on land and at sea.