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.

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.