The conference is a unique opportunity for educators, policy makers and scientists to join together in developing Ocean literacy in Europe.
The conference (3-5 September) will be immediately followed by a EU Commission supported workshop on transatlantic Ocean Literacy, bringing North America and Europe together.
Plymouth’s Marine Biological Association is at the heart of this ‘Ocean Literacy’ initiative which was formed by EU marine educators keen to satisfy the quest for marine knowledge from the public.
Géraldine Fauville (University of Gothenberg), who saw how effective the model is in the US, said: “Through EMSEA, European countries have the opportunity to define ocean education for their own situations, and find ways to collaborate and stimulate a science curriculum reform”.
Fiona Crouch of the MBA’s national ‘Shore Thing’ citizen science project added: “Ocean literacy is not just for young students, the idea is to involve aquariums, science centres, museums and NGOs to increase public involvement and participation”.
A lack of knowledge about the sea and its importance holds the population back when it comes to conversations about managing marine resources and environmental change. Exciting educational materials are produced throughout Europe to educate, inspire and inform about the sea, but the approach is often uncoordinated, the results low in profile and there is duplication of effort. EMSEA will be looking to tackle this through public surveys and by facilitating networking and exchange of best practice.
There are still places available at the conference which will be held at Plymouth University on 3–5 September.
Please see www.emseaplymouth2013.org or email Fiona Crouch ficr@mba.ac.uk
For further details or interviews please contact Fiona Crouch 01752 633336 or Jon Parr 01752 633338.
