There is a need to provide Australian focused ocean literacy resources for all age groups. The goal of Ocean’s IQ is to fill this void by developing a portal of free and high quality resources. This will increase ocean literacy and directly support the UN’s Ocean Decade by engaging individuals and communities interested in learning more about marine science. 

 

Current marine science resources are also unsystematic and outdated. There is no centralised portal and ocean literacy resources with a southern shores/temperate marine environment focus are basically non existent or difficult to find. As a result educators are having to use resources developed for the more well-funded tropical reefs. 

 

To address these issues and to develop a framework for an Ocean Literacy Portal (with an initial focus on Victoria then moving to additional coastlines) a review of existing ocean literacy resources will be undertaken with the support of Ocean Literacy experts and key stakeholders and project partners. This will also identify gaps, challenges and opportunities with progressive focus starting with Victoria.

 

OIQ has already been in discussions with State  Government agencies including Coast Action who have identified a need for a consolidated approach and  the development of localised marine resources. 

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Deliverables 

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1. Ocean Literacy Resources Review (including an online survey with key stakeholders)

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2. Ocean Geographic Society ocean literacy forum series. 

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3. Draft Ocean Literacy Report (to be prepared by Harry Breidahl from Nautilus Education). for stakeholder review and comments. 

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4. Final Ocean Literacy Report (to be prepared by Harry Breidahl from Nautilus Education). 5. Report submitted to government and key stakeholders. 

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Target Audience 

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Educators, students (public, private, home-schooled), ocean enthusiasts, career advisors, key  stakeholders, citizen scientists, community groups and academic institutions. 

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Long Term Goals 

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1. Work broadly with industry professionals and marine educators to create curriculum aligned ocean literacy resources for primary, secondary levels and community groups (including not-for-profit  volunteers) that are representative of temperate marine environments for Victoria. 

2. Create OceansIQ website as an interactive portal for Ocean Literacy in Victoria with an interactive     map. Trial and test useability with key stakeholders. Review and update if necessary. 

3. Secure funding and project partners to roll out the concept nationally. 

4. Extend the reach of OIQ internationally.