Ocean Learning: Bringing the Sea into Every Classroom

Approximately 40% of the EU’s population resides within 50 kilometres of the coast, with significant parts of the economy, climate resilience, and wellbeing linked to healthy oceans and seas. Despite this proximity, there remains a limited understanding of ocean functions and human impacts on it.

“People live by the sea and depend on it but lack knowledge about it,” said Melita Mokos, a marine biologist at the University of Zadar in Croatia.

Her work centers on ocean literacy, educating people about ocean functions, its importance, and the impact of everyday choices on ocean health.

Although awareness campaigns have risen, many underestimate the pressure human activities place on the ocean and the benefits of healthy marine ecosystems.

A survey of 3,500 young individuals highlights the issue. Three-quarters acknowledged the importance of a healthy ocean, yet nearly half believed the ocean remains in good condition.

Mokos is part of a European research group involved in BlueLightS, an EU-funded initiative launched in 2024 aimed at enhancing blue education to improve ocean literacy by teaching learners of all ages about their connection to the ocean and their role in its protection.

BlueLightS is among several EU-funded initiatives addressing ocean literacy. Sister projects like ProBleu and SHORE explore new methods to connect people with the ocean, from education and community engagement to hands-on learning. While each focuses on different aspects, they share the goal of illustrating the strong link between human lives and ocean health.

Connecting the blue dots

Despite increased awareness, a fundamental gap persists between knowledge and action relating to ocean issues.

“There’s a gap between ocean knowledge and understanding the effects of personal actions on the ocean,” said Pierre Strosser, a consultant at ACTeon, an environmental consultancy specialising in the sustainable management of oceans, coasts, and natural resources based in Colmar, France.

With a PhD in water management and economics, Strosser brings nearly a decade of experience in ocean literacy initiatives across Europe. He coordinates the BlueLightS team, focusing primarily on blue education.

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People live by the sea and depend on it but lack knowledge about it.

Their approach integrates the ocean into a broader human–nature ecosystem, including seas, rivers, and lakes.

“The ocean begins in every city, even in Strasbourg, through rivers, consumption, and the air we breathe,” Strosser stated.

Their goal is to highlight the mutual influence between people and the ocean. For instance, plastic litter on a beach can enter the sea, degrade into microplastics, and ingested by marine life, eventually returning to humans through seafood consumption.

Making education bluer

The BlueLightS team is implementing practical measures by developing learning resources, training teachers, and suggesting school curriculum adaptations. They have established a multilingual knowledge hub where anyone can access and upload resources, facilitating educators across Europe to find and utilize materials.

One contributor, Team Malizia, an international offshore sailing team, produces marine learning materials in various languages.

The My Ocean Challenge program uses the excitement of round-the-world racing to engage children with ocean science and climate solutions.

School curricula and teacher training pose a greater challenge. Strosser and Mokos recognize this but believe it could have the most significant long-term impact.

“A systemic approach is needed,” Strosser said. “Education systems need more blue topics, not just individual school efforts.”

The BlueLightS approach is being tested in France