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 New England 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 school 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.
*Note* we do reimburse school districts up too $100 if there is a need to get a substitute teacher. To request reimbursement, check the box when registering and send a letter to Aimee Bonanno with the school district letterhead and principals signature. There is a limit of 15 reimbursements so sign up early to ensure a spot.
2018 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 15 – 16, 2018
University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
The 2018 Summit is currently being planned. We will focus on Ocean Literacy Principle #2, The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth. Apply now to be a presenter!
2016 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 3 – 4, 2016
Abromson Center, Portland, ME
The 2016 Summit was held in Portland, ME with support from Maine Coastal Program on Thursday and Friday November 3rd and 4th. The focus was on Ocean Literacy Principle #3, the ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
2014 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 6 – 7, 2014
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA
The 2014 Summit was hosted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with support from Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA on Thursday and Friday November 6th and 7th. The focus was Ocean Literacy Principle #6, the humans and the ocean are inextricably interconnected. Thank you for helping us achieve our largest attendance yet.
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.
2012 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 1 – 3, 2012
University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus
The 2012 Ocean Literacy Summit was a great success thanks to our terrific speakers, energetic exhibitors, and our host institution, the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography. With an attendance of 180 people, the summit focused on Ocean Literacy Principle #7, that the oceans are largely unexplored. The keynote address was given by Dr. Robert Ballard. Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA’s deputy administrator, also gave an excellent presentation on exploration.
2010 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 11 – 13 2010, 8am to 4pm
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Thank you to the 135 people who joined us for the 2010 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit. The focus was on Ocean Literacy Principle #5, the ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. 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.
2008 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
Friday, November 7 2008, 8am to 4pm
Boston University School of Management, Boston MA
Educators, scientists, facilitators, and business people – 130 attendees in all – took many lessons from the second Ocean Literacy Summit that focused on Ocean Literacy Pricinple #1, the Earth has one big ocean with many features. 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.
2006 NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit
November 4 2006, 8am to 4pm
University of Massachusetts, Boston MA
The theme of the 2006 Ocean Literacy Summit was an introduction to the Ocean Literacy Principles. 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. University of Massachusetts Boston hosted.