Ocean Literacy Institute
Understand the Ocean. Understand the World.
The ocean shapes our climate, supports our economy, provides food and livelihoods, and connects every living system on Earth.
Yet many young people grow up without understanding how the ocean works, why it matters, or how their own lives are connected to it.
The Ocean Literacy Institute helps students, educators, and communities develop a deeper understanding of the ocean through stories, science, systems thinking, and real-world action.
Ocean Literacy for Every Generation
We create engaging educational experiences for students from early childhood through high school.
Our programs help young people:
- Understand how the ocean influences their lives
- Explore marine science and ocean-related careers
- Recognize the ocean as a connected system
- Correct common misconceptions about sharks and other marine life
- Understand conservation, resilience, and responsible stewardship
- Discover practical ways they can help protect the ocean
- Develop curiosity, courage, and systems-thinking skills
Our Flagship Book Series
Move Toward the Shark
Move Toward the Shark is an age-adapted ocean literacy series designed for students ages 3 through 18.
Through ocean stories, marine science, adventure, and practical lessons, students learn that fear can be replaced with understanding and that protecting the ocean begins with seeing it differently.
The series is developed for four learning levels:
Early Explorers — Ages 3–6
Simple stories, colorful ocean life, curiosity, safety, and care.
Young Explorers — Ages 7–10
Ocean ecosystems, marine animals, myths, conservation, and personal action.
Ocean Thinkers — Ages 11–14
Systems thinking, human impact, ocean careers, resilience, and responsibility.
Ocean Leaders — Ages 15–18
Ocean risk, critical infrastructure, leadership, innovation, policy, and career pathways.
What We Provide
Books and Learning Guides
Books and Learning Guides
Books and Learning Guides
Age-appropriate books, teacher guides, student activities, discussion questions, and action projects.
School Programs
Books and Learning Guides
Books and Learning Guides
Classroom presentations, assemblies, workshops, virtual programs, and ocean literacy learning experiences.
Educator Resources
Books and Learning Guides
Education Fellows Program
Ready-to-use materials that help teachers bring ocean science, conservation, and systems thinking into the classroom.
Education Fellows Program
Education Fellows Program
Education Fellows Program
A network of experienced educators, scientists, ocean professionals, community leaders, and volunteers who help develop and deliver Ocean Literacy Institute programs.
Career Exploration
Education Fellows Program
Career Exploration
Students are introduced to opportunities in marine biology, ocean engineering, diving, conservation, maritime operations, technology, policy, risk management, tourism, and other ocean-related fields.
The Education Fellowship Program
Education Should Continue to Make a Difference
The Ocean Literacy Institute Education Fellows Program brings together retired and active educators, marine professionals, scientists, writers, and community leaders who want to help prepare the next generation.
Education Fellows may contribute by:
● Reviewing educational materials
● Developing classroom activities
● Advising on age-appropriate content
● Delivering school and community programs
● Mentoring students
● Connecting the Institute with schools and educational organizations
● Supporting research, conservation, and student action projects
Our Approach
Stories Create Connection
Science Creates Understanding
Science Creates Understanding
Real ocean experiences make science memorable and help students connect emotionally with the natural world.
Science Creates Understanding
Science Creates Understanding
Science Creates Understanding
Students learn accurate, age-appropriate information about ocean life, ecosystems, risks, and conservation.
Systems Thinking Creates Perspective
Systems Thinking Creates Perspective
Systems Thinking Creates Perspective
The ocean is not a collection of separate issues. It is an interconnected system involving climate, food, transportation, health, communities, economies, and human behavior.
Action Creates Hope
Systems Thinking Creates Perspective
Systems Thinking Creates Perspective
Students leave with practical steps they can take at home, at school, and in their communities.
Why Ocean Literacy Matters
The ocean produces much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates global systems, supports millions of jobs, and provides essential resources.
Protecting it requires more than awareness.
It requires people who understand connections, recognize consequences, challenge misconceptions, and make informed decisions.
Ocean literacy is not only about learning about the ocean.
It is about learning how the world works.
Bring Ocean Literacy to Your School
The Ocean Literacy Institute works with schools, educators, youth organizations, community groups, businesses, and conservation partners.
Programs may include:
● Student assemblies
● Classroom workshops
● Teacher development
● Book-based learning programs
● Ocean career presentations
● Shark awareness programs
● Systems-thinking workshops
● Student conservation projects
Understand the Ocean. See Connections. Protect the Future.
Help Build an Ocean-Literate Generation
Whether you are an educator, parent, scientist, ocean professional, community leader, sponsor, or volunteer, you can help young people understand their connection to the ocean.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.