What: The Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL) was a two-day forum that took place June 7-8, 2006 in Washington, D.C. The event brought together key participants to discuss the essential principles of ocean literacy and the current challenges and opportunities for both formal and informal education efforts in educating the public to make informed, responsible decisions about the ocean and its resources. CoOL featured a combination of plenary sessions, keynote speakers and panel discussions.
Hosts: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and partners, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Navy, the National Science Foundation, and NASA.
Wednesday, June 7
8:00am - 9:00am
AmphitheaterCreating an Ocean Literate Society: A National Perspective
Amphitheater
High level speakers, including members of the Administration and Congress, addressed the importance of ocean literacy to our nation.
Speaker Information
10:45am - 12:00pm Ocean Literacy: The Link to Economic Vitality
Amphitheater
High level speakers, including industry representatives and state elected officials, underscored the value of ocean literacy to the nation’s economy.
Speaker Information and Presentations
12:15pm - 1:45pm Luncheon
Power of the Ocean
Pavilion Room
Speaker Information2:00pm - 2:30pm Understanding Ocean Literacy: What You Need to Know
Amphitheater
A discussion of the Essential Principles and Key Concepts of Ocean Literacy.
Speaker Information and Presentations
2:30pm - 2:45pm Break 2:45pm - 4:45pm Formal Education: Creating Ocean Literate Students
Amphitheater
Panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities in formal education relative to getting Ocean Literacy into classrooms and textbooks.
Speaker Information and Presentations
4:45pm - 5:15pm Closing Plenary
Speaker Information
Thursday, June 8
8:00am - 9:00am
Horizon BallroomLive from the Aegean Sea: A Conversation with Bob Ballard
Horizon Ballroom
Telepresence technology connected Dr. Bob Ballard with participants from his expedition in the Aegean Sea.
Speaker Information and Presentations
10:00am - 11:45am Informal Education: Creating an Ocean Literate Society
Horizon Ballroom
Panelists discussed opportunities to engage the public in ocean literacy through venues such as aquariums, museums and science centers.
Speaker Information and Presentations
12:00pm - 1:30pm Luncheon
Behind the Lens: A Media Perspective on Ocean Literacy
Pavilion Room
A keynote panel shared perspectives on using the media to create greater ocean awareness in the public at large.
Speaker Information and Presentations
1:45pm - 3:00pm Ocean Literacy and Education: Building an Innovative Workforce through Diversity
Horizon Ballroom
In view of demographic changes, persistently low diversity of the ocean science workforce, and importance of preparing an innovative future ocean workforce, the panel addressed programs and the importance of efforts to expand ocean literacy and other opportunities to currently underrepresented groups.
Speaker Information and Presentations
3:00pm - 3:15pm Break 3:15pm - 4:45pm Regional Approaches to Ocean Literacy
Horizon Ballroom
Panelists discussed exemplary methods in regional approaches to ocean literacy, using the Gulf of Mexico and West Coast as examples
Speaker Information and Presentations4:45pm - 5:30pm Closing Plenary
Speaker Information and Presentations6:00pm - 8:00pm Reception
Pavilion Room
CONTACTS: Lori Arguelles, Executive Director, 301-608-3040 ext. 1
Marlene Kaplan, Director of Education and Grants Program, 301-608-3040 ext. 6As of Jan. 29, 2007
