Ocean literacy is about understanding the importance of the ocean for people and how our actions affect it, no matter how far from the coast we live. The concept of ocean literacy is at the core of the UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030, which aims to reverse the negative trends in the marine environment and support sustainable development.

During this decade, Sweden and many other countries have chosen to prioritize ocean awareness as a key factor in improving the state of the oceans. The initiative is based on the following seven core principles of ocean awareness, developed by marine scientists and educators.

7 Principles of Ocean Literacy

1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.
3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.
5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

By spreading knowledge about marine ecosystems and water cycles, it hopes to inspire people to make more informed decisions that can benefit the future of the ocean.