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Promoting Ocean Literacy: Strategies from the South Carolina Aquarium

Explore the concept of ocean literacy and its significance in understanding our oceans. An ocean-literate person can communicate meaningfully about the ocean, make informed decisions regarding its resources, and foster environmental stewardship. Through diverse programs and emotional connections, the South Carolina Aquarium aims to inspire conservation and educate diverse audiences. This initiative includes structured school programs, internships, and community partnerships, driving home the principles of ocean literacy and promoting an understanding of the ocean's essential role in our lives.

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Promoting Ocean Literacy: Strategies from the South Carolina Aquarium

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  1. Ocean Literacy: A Lowcountry Perspective Whit McMillan, Director of Education

  2. Ocean Literacy means… • An ocean-literate person understands:- the essential principles and fundamental concepts- can communicate about the oceans in a meaningful way,- is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the oceans and its resources.

  3. Seven Principles of Ocean Literacy • Earth has one big ocean with many features. • The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. • The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate. • The ocean makes Earth habitable. • The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. • The ocean and humans are inextricably linked. • The ocean is largely unexplored.

  4. How do we spread these principles to a larger audience? • Who is our audience? • One size doesn’t fit all, we need diverse products for diverse audiences. • Make an emotional connection and personalize the ocean. • A personal example…

  5. How did I get here? • Early experiences with nature. • Supportive parents and great educators • Field experiences • State Fair • Fort Fisher • ACE Basin and Hunting Island • Now, how does the Aquarium and others help to reach people like me?

  6. Mountains to the Sea • Our Mission: “The South Carolina Aquarium is a regional resource inspiring conservation by excelling in education, and in the care, display, and study of aquatic life. “ • Mountains to the Sea Theme • Move visitors to explore the environment around them • Local habitats

  7. We aren’t alone! • SE COSEE • Sea Grant • SCDNR • NOAA/ NERRS • Spirit of South Carolina • Many others (Earth Force, LEEP, TNC, US Fish and Wildlife)

  8. A network of partners with proven results • Visits to accredited zoos and aquariums prompt individuals to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and to see themselves as part of the solution. • Visitors believe zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and animal care.

  9. Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Study data • Visitors feel they experience a stronger connection to nature as a result of their visit. • Visitors bring with them a higher-than-expected knowledge about basic ecological concepts. Zoos and aquariums support and reinforce the values and attitudes of the visitor. (AZA MIRP 2006)

  10. How does a regional aquarium help achieve Ocean Literacy? • We provide an opportunity for an emotional connection with the ocean. • We foster learning at all ages. • We personalize the ocean for our visitors. • We help to motivate visitors to conserve ocean resources.

  11. Bringing Ocean Literacy Home: Fostering a Connection • Education about our oceans help to promote the principles of ocean literacy. • Free School programs • 68,000 students/2500 teachers • Visitor Programs • Internships • Conservation programs

  12. Structured School Programs: Field experiences and Educator Training • Free, standards- based • All curriculum materials are available on our web site (www.scaquarium.org) • 2005-2006 • 8500 students from 30 counties • Trained 240 teachers • SC Teachers receive free admission anytime!

  13. Visitor Programs • Theme-based fun programs • Impart a conservation/ ocean literacy message • Schedule changes seasonally • Evaluated for interpretation and content

  14. High School Intern Program: A continued connection • Targeted at under served youths (must qualify for free or reduced lunch) • 20 students selected after application process • All go through training class • Top ten are selected for paid summer internship • 2006 Recipient of AZA Diversity Award

  15. Conservation Efforts • Work with businesses • Our greatest successes come when working with partners. • Sea Turtles • Partner with resorts and property managers • Sustainable Seafood • Over 60 partner restaurants

  16. Whit McMillan wmcmillan@scaquarium.org

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