Conference on Ocean Literacy -- closing remarks Louisa Koch NOAA Education Director June 8, 2006 Louisa Koch NOAA Education Director June 8, 2006 June 7th and 8th (CoOL)

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)2 Why a Conference on Ocean Literacy? Dramatic depletion of ocean and coastal resources The power of the ocean has focused the world with the Boxing Day tsunami and hurricane Katrina The ocean community is making itself heard with the Pew Ocean Commission, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, and the ocean literacy essential principles

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)3 CoOL Goals Demonstrate high level leadership support for ocean literacy Highlight exemplary ocean literacy materials, resources, and practices at the national, state and local level Provide equitable access to ocean literacy to meet the changing demographics Strengthen ocean education strategies in formal and informal education and at the regional level

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)4 CoOL Challenges Humans are the most invasive species on earth and we are rapidly transforming the surface of the earth The wetlands are disappearing, nature deficit disorder is growing U.S. student performance in math and science is not internationally competitive Only 3% of parents encourage their children to be mathematicians or scientists Most Americans have a limited understanding of the ocean and the services it provides The health of the ocean will determine the health of our species

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)5 CoOL Opportunities Over 50% of the population lives along the coast the number is expected to reach 70% soon There are incredibly strong interconnections between humans and the ocean Our education system can connect us with the ocean intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually The ocean offers many compelling teaching moments This year’s hurricane season is expected to be more active than last

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)6 CoOL Next Steps Keep the Pew Ocean Commission, the National Commission on Ocean Policy, and the Ocean Literacy Principles moving forward Make the Presidential Proclamation on National Ocean Week an important legacy It wont happen unless we make it happen Pass a NOAA Organic Act NSF, Interior, Navy, EPA, and NASA all have important roles too

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)7 CoOL Next Steps (more) Take advantage of the new federal structure for ocean research and resource management integration Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration, (ICOSRMI), its advisory panel and its ocean education working group – and the National Ocean Partnership Program too! The ocean agencies will convene groups, advance strategic initiatives, and invest in promising projects that will leverage significant change Deliver the CoOL report to the ICOSRMI and other influential stakeholders The CoOL report will include guidance from each of the panels and reports from the five regional CoOL extensions Make earth system science a vital science, including ocean

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)8 CoOL Next Steps (more) Find better ways to communicate how humans impact the ocean and how the ocean impacts humans Data visualizations, telepresence, live data, catch the compelling image, make it fun, compelling, and relevant, go there, be inclusive, get it to scale, Leverage the media in promoting ocean awareness and ocean literacy (reach the 40 – 50% of non-attentive) They know how to attract an audience and keep it Build a network of networks that delivers a core set of compelling messages (Coastal Environmental Learning Centers, COSEE, Sea Grant) We are off to a good start!!

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)9 CoOL Next Steps (more) Build bridges with related efforts (environmental education, conservation education, sustainability education) There is strength in numbers Hold organizations accountable for adopting best practices for building an innovative workforce through diversity Produce tangible results, include community colleges, create a new award Launch a national campaign? It worked for litter… Commit to taking action to enhance ocean literacy Just do it!

Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL)10 CoOL Conclusion Thanks… Lori Arguelles and her outstanding team at the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation for putting together a CoOL event Sharon Walker for her strong leadership as the CoOL Chair and to the CoOL steering group and the CoOL working group for guiding us along the way The regional CoOL extensions for connecting us around the country, and for providing your questions and insight on where to go from here To all of you for coming, caring and committing to doing more