Australia
Date: April 2025
Progress: In Progress
Australia’s first national Ocean Literacy Survey
The Project
This project will conduct Australia’s first national ocean literacy (OL) survey, establishing critical baseline data on how Australians understand, value, and engage with the ocean. Despite over 87% of Australians living near the coast, Australia lacks a unified OL strategy, and the foundational data needed to inform national efforts.
Using the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition’s global Ocean and Society Survey, already deployed in 11 countries, this research will collect data via an online panel, contributing to a PhD data chapter and aligning with goals from Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan and the National Marine Science Committee’s Education, Training, and Ocean Literacy White Paper (released end of 2025). Findings will be published in a high-impact, Q1 open-access journal and shared with the wider community through a digital infographic uploaded to the Ocean Literacy portal by the end of 2025.
The survey will provide essential evidence to shape future OL strategies in Australia, aligning with international ocean stewardship efforts. Results will also be made accessible to inspire community-led action, educational programs, and outreach campaigns that foster deeper and more sustainable connections with marine ecosystems. This project is a pivotal step toward embedding OL in national policy and ensuring a more ocean-conscious future for Australia and will compliment our existing efforts in setting up an Australian Ocean Literacy Portal..
The Organisation
Deakin University
OceansIQ is a not-for-profit that is building a comprehensive online marine education portal dedicated to telling the Ocean’s stories. OIQ aims to create the ability for end users globally to access and visually explore the world’s oceans and to learn about marine animals, plants, habitats, management issues and research through their website, YouTube Channel and other social media channels. They’re an experienced team of scientists and communicators who are also behind the BBC driven series – The Great Barrier Reef.
