ABOUT
What is the Ocean Identity Initiative?
Ocean Identity research aims to delve into the intricate connections between humanity and the vast expanse of the ocean. In light of escalating anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems, there's a growing recognition of the imperative to comprehend the relationship between society and the ocean for sustainable management and conservation efforts. Embarking on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), this project endeavors to foster a transformative bond between people and the ocean, integrating social and natural sciences to tackle the challenges facing ocean ecosystems.
Understanding the Context
With a focus on the emergent concept of ocean identity, this project seeks to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of human relationships with the ocean, placing values and emotions at its core. By bridging the gap in current models of ocean literacy, it aims to develop a robust framework for measuring ocean identity, informed by the theoretical underpinnings of ocean literacy and environmental identity. Through a rigorous research methodology, including literature alignment and survey design, the project aims to establish the validity and reliability of an instrument for assessing ocean identity.
Project Goals and Objectives
Furthermore, the project endeavors to explore demographic variations in ocean identity across the USA, and assess the impact of informal environmental education interventions on ocean identity. The ultimate goal is to develop an Assessment Toolkit for Ocean Identity, empowering environmental organizations to better understand and impact ocean identity across diverse groups. By providing academic insights and practical tools, this project aims to enhance ocean literacy, foster sustainable relationships with the ocean, and contribute to equitable ocean governance and management in alignment with the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade.
PUBLICATIONS | NEWS
30 OCT. 2023
Conceptualizing the Construct of Ocean Identity
Our article in Nature delves into the intriguing realm of ocean identity, offering a profound exploration of human connections with the sea. Through rigorous literature analysis, it reveals the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of this concept, shedding light on the underlying factors shaping individuals' relationships with ocean spaces. Discover the ongoing efforts to develop an instrument for measuring ocean identity and its pivotal role in enhancing ocean literacy and fostering sustainable practices.
Read the full article at Nature.com.
Fall ‘23 | Winter ‘24 Issue
Introducing the Article: "Exploring Ocean Identity: Understanding its Significance for Our Future". This article by Miriah Russo Kelly delves into the abstract yet crucial concept of ocean identity. Through personal anecdotes and scholarly insights, Kelly highlights the significance of understanding how the ocean shapes our sense of self. With a focus on expanding the notion of ocean identity and its psychological underpinnings, the article explores the research journey of Kelly and her interdisciplinary team. From defining ocean identity to developing practical tools for measurement, their work seeks to uncover why individuals develop specific ocean identities and how these identities influence behavior. With a keen emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, this article offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between humans and the ocean, paving the way for informed education, outreach, and environmental stewardship efforts.
WRACKLINES
Read the full Wracklines article here.
21 Jan. 2022
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY Biology Professor Receives Connecticut Sea Grant
Sacred Heart University alumna Jo-Marie Kasinak ’11 leads a groundbreaking research project funded by Connecticut Sea Grant, uniting researchers from multiple universities across continents to explore Ocean Identity and its implications for education and outreach in Long Island Sound.
Read the full article at SacredHeart.edu.
4 Nov. 2021
Connecticut Sea Grant embarks on a multi-faceted research journey into Long Island Sound and beyond, funding six diverse projects exploring marine life, human-sea interactions, and community responses to flood risks, totaling over $1.17 million in research investment.
Connecticut Sea Grant
Read the full article here.
Ocean Identity research is a collaboration:
acknowledgement
Funding for this work was provided by Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut through Award No. NA22OAR4170093, Project Number R/ED-2.The concept of ocean identity provides a valuable lens that can be used to unpack the multiple dimensions of relationships with the ocean, and crucially places values and emotions at its center - addressing recognized gaps in current models of ocean literacy. As this concept of ocean identity continues to develop, this project will contribute to the ongoing ocean literacy discourse, and will develop practical tools which can be used to better understand variations in ocean identity, drivers of ocean identity and how these might change, the impact of ocean education activities, and will consider how this information can be used to support more sustainable and equitable ocean governance and management.