New Publication Highlights EMSEA 2025’s Focus on the Future of Ocean Literacy

We are pleased to announce the release of a new article by Craig Strang reflecting on the key themes and discussions that shaped the EMSEA 2025 conference.

Nearly a year ago, we invited EMSEA members and ocean literacy professionals to share their ideas on what topics should be featured at the 2025 conference. One of the strongest messages we received was the need to look ahead - resulting in the creation of the Future of Ocean Literacy theme.

The response was impressive: numerous thought-provoking abstracts were submitted, making it clear that this topic required more than a standard conference session. In response, the conference opened with a panel discussion, “The Future of Ocean Literacy,” moderated by Craig Strang, and concluded with a plenary workshop, “Refining the Ocean Literacy Principles,” which he co-led. Details about both sessions can be found in the conference programme.

Craig Strang’s new publication offers an in-depth look at these sessions and their significance:

Strang, C. (2025). EMSEA 2025 Considers the Future of Ocean Literacy. Current: The Journal of Marine Education, 40(3), 1–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/cjme.147

Craig is not only a long-time EMSEA and NMEA member and supporter; he is also one of the key figures behind the development of the ocean literacy framework. He co-developed the original seven Ocean Literacy Principles, co-led the US Ocean Literacy Campaign and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative, and co-authored both Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages and the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K–12.

We invite you to read the article and hope it inspires new ideas and continued progress in advancing ocean literacy.

P.S. One of the most iconic photographs from EMSEA 2025 was captured during the Future of Ocean Literacy panel.