Our Projects
Priority Areas
As we work together to implement and advance the Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy, our projects are collaborative and national in scope, focusing on three priority areas: Education & Engagement, Research & Impact, Leadership & Advocacy. Click on the 3 boxes below to explore the corresponding key initiatives.
Key Initiatives
Blue Schools Canada
Blue Schools Canada (BSC) is the national hub of the Blue Schools Global Network, an international initiative aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
Ocean Literacy Dialogues
The aim of the Ocean Literacy Dialogues series is to co-organize public events that enable knowledge exchange across different geographical and socio-cultural contexts, and that catalyze action as we work together to achieve the overarching goal of the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030)
Ocean & Society Survey
Ocean & Society Survey What is the Ocean & Society Survey? The Ocean & Society Survey (OSS) is a collaboratively co-designed global tool to better understand how people perceive, value, and interact with the ocean. By asking questions about what
National Strategy Impact Measurement Program
The Strategy promotes 9 specific Action Streams. The collective impact of these Action Streams is intended to achieve the three overarching Strategy goals. Measuring outputs and impact of these Action Streams should provide leading indicators of progress towards the Strategy’s three goals. Annual Impact reports collectively provide a snapshot of the state of Ocean Literacy in Canada and help to reveal trends and progress throughout the UN Ocean Decade, and beyond.
Ocean Literacy Research Community
COLC served as the lead applicant and co-organizer of the Developing a Global Ocean Literacy Research Program satellite activity at the first UN Ocean Decade Laboratory: An Inspiring & Engaging Ocean which took place on July 7-8th, 2021.
Fish Tales
From coast to coast to coast, and the waterways in between, Fish Tales is a podcast series bringing you real stories from the diverse fishers of Canada. Whether it’s cod, salmon, crab, or trout, fishing is more than just a way of life to diverse communities in Canada — it’s a culture, and most importantly a core sense of identity to coastal, lake, and river peoples.
Ocean Week Canada
Ocean Week Canada is an annual national celebration of ocean events, learning, and engagement held during the week of World Ocean Day (June 8). Through public events and activities held in cities and communities, from coast to coast to coast, we recognize the important role the ocean plays in our everyday lives and how local waterways connect us all with the ocean and each other.
Ocean Literacy Community Grants
Identified as a priority action in the Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy, COLC together with their national team of partners were delighted to launch the Ocean Literacy Community Grants program in winter 2023. This program provides more accessible funding opportunities for community-driven ocean literacy initiatives that are regionally, culturally, and linguistically relevant.
Vision 2030 & the Challenge 10 Whitepaper
Vision 2030 & the Challenge 10 Whitepaper The UN Ocean Decade The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, often referred to as the “UN Ocean Decade,” is a global initiative launched by the United Nations. The Ocean Decade
Public Perceptions Research
Public Perceptions Research related to the ocean (and all waterways that flow to it) focuses on understanding how individuals perceive, value, and use ocean resources; as well as their concerns, beliefs, and priorities…
National & International Presentations
COLC lead staff are regularly invited to present at national and international conferences, forums, and events to highlight the ocean literacy work being done in Canada and to help advocate for the relevance and advancement of ocean literacy globally.
Stories for Stream2Sea
Canadians from coast to coast to coast are invited to share stories of their connection with the ocean and how this connection may be changing.