Promoting Ocean Literacy in New England
The ocean is the defining feature of our planet. Ocean Literacy means understanding the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean. This definition is the result of discussions among 100 scientists and educators in 2005, and serves as the national standard for ocean science education. Advancing ocean literacy in New England is the commitment and goal of the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC).
NEOSEC member institutions recognize that there are limited opportunities for education and science practitioners and researchers to share their expertise, and in 2006 created The Ocean Literacy Summit to provide important opportunities for formal and informal educators, ocean scientists, and policymakers to make connections.
The Ocean Literacy Summit is a biennial conference that brings together educators and scientists from across New England and surrounding states for the purpose of sharing new marine science and oceanographic developments along with new approaches and successful programs for teaching ocean science in both formal and informal educational settings. To demonstrate the power of collaboration and communication among professionals in these sectors, all of the Summit’s concurrent sessions feature scientists and educators as co-presenters.
2025: 20 years of Ocean Literacy
November 6 – 7, 2025
The Ocean Literacy principles were established 20 years ago and NEOSEC has been hosting Ocean Literacy Summits since 2006. We are excited to reflect on the past 20 years and dream about what can be in the next 20 years of Ocean Literacy. Save the Date to join us in Maine and please stay tuned for more details as we plan.
2023: Connecting Climate, Communities, and Coasts
November 15-17, 2023
The ninth biennial New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC) Ocean Literacy Summit: Connecting Climate, Communities, and Coasts took place in Gloucester, MA, on November 15 – 17, 2023. It addressed coastal issues in New England communities that arise from climate change and how the Ocean Literacy principles help us understand them. We were honored to be able to host the summit in Gloucester during its 400+ anniversary supporting their vision to inspire future generations to honor the past and work collectively to frame the future. The Summit focused on connecting scientists, educators, and community leaders to critically think about equitable collaboration, share best practices, and provide networking opportunities.
November 10-11, 2021
This Summit was our first with a hybrid format. Delayed a year for the pandemic, we met virtually on Wednesday, November 10th with morning sessions that connected scientists with educators. The Summit continued with virtual lunchtime trivia (12:00-12:45) and networking (12:45-1:45). On Thursday, November 11th we offered in person field trips across New England hosted by NEOSEC organizational members.
Visit our Summit webpage for more information. If you did attend, you can access presentations on Whova for 6 months, or until April 2022.
November 15 – 16, 2018: Boston, Massachusetts
November 3 – 4, 2016: Portland, Maine
November 6 – 7, 2014: Woods Hole, Massachusetts
An inspiring keynote address was delivered by Deborah Cramer, Author of “Smithsonian Ocean”, Advisory Council Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and visiting scholar with MIT Earth System Initiative.
November 1 – 3, 2012: Narragansett, Rhode Island
The keynote address was given by Dr. Robert Ballard. Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA’s deputy administrator, also gave an excellent presentation on exploration.
November 11 – 13, 2010: Durham, New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire hosted the event with attendees representing institutions from North Carolina to Newfoundland. Highlights of the event included a keynote address by Dr. Paul Snelgrove and a Friday evening talk by Dr. Sylvia Earle.
November 7, 2008: Boston, Massachusetts
The day included concurrent presentations as well as two plenary sessions: first a keynote presentation from Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an afternoon panel discussion regarding the need for an ocean-literate workforce. Attendees also had a chance to talk with our 18 exhibitors. The Boston University Marine Program hosted.
November 4, 2006: Boston, Massachusetts
Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed a keynote speech by Wally Broecker, an eminent ocean scientist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Concurrent workshops and a panel discussion provided insights into ways that the newly released Ocean Literacy Principles can be integrated into formal and informal education in multiple settings, from news stories to classroom curricula. Discussion among and feedback from participants resulted in several action items for the Collaborative.