Mapping human tides.
Ocean Identity
NOUN
definition: the connection between an individual’s self-concept and ocean spaces.
(npj Ocean Sustainability, 2023)
ocean identity research examines how and why the ocean shapes our sense of self
The concept of ocean identity provides a valuable lens for unpacking the multiple dimensions of human relationships with ocean ecosystems. Our work crucially integrates emotional, cognitive, and behavioral attributes to understand the complexities of human-ocean relationships. This research contributes to United Nations Ocean Decade goals and ongoing ocean literacy agendas. The services and practical tools provided here can be used to understand variations in ocean identities across socio-ecological attributes and applied to assess the impact of outreach, engagement, and educational interventions on ocean identity development. Through these efforts, our team is dedicated to supporting sustainable and equitable ocean governance and decision-making at local, regional, national, and international scales.
the ocean Identity survey: A valid and reliable measure of human connections to ocean environments
Coming Soon!
Few if any resources exist for measuring the unique connections humans maintain with ocean spaces. Ocean Identity research seeks to identify the theoretical underpinnings of the ocean identity construct, resulting in a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in academic and professional contexts.
To establish the ocean identity survey we used a three phase process.
focus group inquiry as well as a panel of expert advisors
construct validation, and
survey implementation and confirmation.
The end result of this work is a valid and reliable measure for the construct of ocean identity. The applications of the ocean identity instrument are vast, and we encourage users to pragmatize the theoretical foundations of this work by utilizing it in ways that are useful to them.
Learn how to use the toolkit here!
Ocean Identity research is a collaboration:
acknowledgement
This publication is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as a Decade Activity. Use of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development logo by a non-UN entity does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations of such entity, its products or services, or of its planned activities. For more information please access: https://forum.oceandecade.org/page/disclaimer
Funding for this work was provided by Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut through Award No. NA22OAR4170093, Project Number R/ED-2.
