Ocean Literacy - The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages

Oct 15, 2026

Ocean Literacy defines what it means to understand the ocean’s influence and human influence on ocean systems. It presents essential principles and fundamental concepts developed through a community consensus among scientists, educators, and policy makers, originally driven by the need for stronger ocean content in K–12 science standards and assessments. The guide explains how it supports integrated ocean science teaching across grades, aligning to major frameworks and enabling learning from early education through college and beyond.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

What is Ocean Literacy?

The Ocean as a Core System

Teaching About the Ocean

Models and First-Hand Experiences

Standards, Curriculum, and Assessments

Ocean Literacy The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages V ERSION 3. 1 : MAY 20 21 What is Ocean Literacy? Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you—and your influence on the ocean. AN OCEAN-LITERATE PERSON: understands the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts about the ocean; can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way; and is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. This definition, the Essential Principles, and supporting Fundamental Concepts were developed through a community-wide consensus-building process that established agreement among hundreds of scientists, educators, and policy makers about what every person should understand about the ocean by the time they graduate high school in order to develop an ocean-literate society. The original purpose of the Ocean Literacy Campaign was to address the lack of ocean-related content in state and national science education standards, instructional materials, and assessments. This work had a significant impact, ensuring that ocean concepts are well-represented in A Framework for K–12 Science Education (National Research Council [NRC], 2012) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013) . The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts described in Version 3 of this guide (inside) represent content that does not fall neatly within traditional science disciplines, but rather supports a focus on integrated science. Many Fundamental Concepts illustrate more than one Essential Principle. For example, Principle 4 lists only three Fundamental Concepts, however, several others from other Essential Principles could be listed, as well. This demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of ocean sciences. Educators can use the Ocean Literacy Framework to fulfill and go beyond the Next Generation Science Standards. It provides a vision for a coherent progression of learning about the ocean from the earliest grades up through integrated science courses at middle and high school, and even into college. JOIN US! The Ocean Literacy Campaign is an ongoing process. To find additional ocean literacy resources and participate in fostering ocean literacy in your community visit [www.oceanliteracyNMEA.org](www.oceanliteracyNMEA.org) and join the National Marine Educators Association ([www.marine-ed.org](www.marine-ed.org)). DUMBO OCTOPUS. Photo: NOAA Ocean Exploration and Research Ocean Literacy: An understanding of the ocean’s influence on you—and your influence on the ocean EXAMINING ALGAE at the beach, Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Claire Fackler, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Understanding the Ocean is essential to comprehending and protecting this planet on which we live. The Ocean is the defining feature of our blue planet. Five great, interconnected ocean basins, the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern, make up the only ocean in our solar system, and contain 97 percent of Earth’s water. The vapor released into the atmosphere returns as rain, sleet, and snow, ever replenishing the planet with freshwater. All life, including our own, exists because of the ocean. Our lives depend, now and forever, on the health of the ocean. Understanding the ocean is essential to comprehending and protecting this planet on which we live. This guide presents a vision of an ocean-literate society. Along with the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K–12, the Alignment of Ocean Literacy to the Next Generation Science Standards, and the International Ocean Literacy Survey, it outlines a framework for achieving Ocean Literacy. These documents are practical, research-based resources to influence learning and teaching about the ocean throughout our schools, museums, aquariums, science centers, parks, and other informal learning spaces. Several hun

FAQs

What is the purpose of Ocean Literacy?

Ocean Literacy aims to ensure ocean-related understanding is included in learning expectations, curricula, and assessments so learners can make informed and responsible decisions about the ocean and its resources.

How were the essential principles and fundamental concepts developed?

They were developed through a community-wide consensus-building process involving hundreds of scientists, educators, and policy makers.

Why is ocean literacy important for teaching and public understanding?

Ocean literacy strengthens comprehension and support for ocean health, and it helps learners engage with complex systems using models, simulations, and real or virtual experiences.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Riley West