Bringing Ocean Literacy to life

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. We recently developed a guide to support teachers in building ocean literacy in classrooms.

In June, we began our Ngā Kōrero III series, supported by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO with the goal of bringing Ocean Literacy Principles to life through in-person and online events focused on each of the seven Principles. World Ocean Day at MERC was the first event of this series, which focused on principle #2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. Our next two events are webinars focused on principle #1: Earth has one big ocean with many features, in July (view the recording), and principle #7: The ocean is largely unexplored, in August (register now!).

In September, we will hold an in-person event in conjunction with Conservation Week at Sir Peter Blake MERC focused on principle #4: The ocean makes Earth habitable. Our last webinar will be aligned with the International Day of Climate Action in October on principle #3: The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

Seaweek 2026 in March will include many events across the country with an emphasis on principle #6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. Our final event of the series will be back at MERC in May, highlighting principle #5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems, which will align with the International Day for Biological Diversity. 

You will also find recordings from each event on our YouTube channel, along with all of our past webinars.

For Ocean Literacy resources to use in the classroom, see our Ocean Literacy Educators Guide, Creature Content, and more resource links!