At the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC), scientists and practitioners come together to share research, tools, and lessons learned that further our understanding of marine science and policy. With over 800 delegates in attendance, IMCC is the single largest gathering of ocean conservationists in the world. The meeting brings together those from many walks of life, including but not limited to researchers, regulators, fishers, educators, artists, students and communicators.”  Given the focus on ocean literacy as a key mechanism for achieving the goals of the UN Ocean Decade, particularly Challenge 10 – transforming humanity’s relationship with the ocean – it is  crucial that we continue to examine the evolving concept, its underlying principles, and current research efforts critical to motivating societal engagement in marine conservation. 

This symposium will present the most up to date research on: the concept of ocean literacy, now 20 years old, and the expanded dimensions that bring into question the relevance of the underlying principles; a recent global systematic review of ocean literacy research; key insights on the co- development of the Ocean Decade Challenge 10 white paper; overview of an emerging global ocean literacy survey instrument; and the strategic intersection of the fields of ocean communications and ocean literacy will be discussed. The significance of this work in bridging and strengthening the alignment of ocean agendas, including that of marine conservation, will be emphasized. 

This symposium, “Understanding Human-Ocean connections and values: Actioning the UN Ocean Decade” will be the first of two aligning symposia, will include Jen McRuer speaking on the Ocean & Society Survey, and Diz Glithero speaking to Ocean Literacy and the UN Ocean Decade: The Challenge 10 White Paper.