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.
In December 2004, President Bush submitted the "U.S. Ocean Action Plan" to Congress in response to the recommendation made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The activities outlined in the Administration’s response will help assure that the benefits we currently derive from our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, will be available to future generations.
Chapter 8 of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (2004), "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century: Final Report," Washington DC recommends: "Strengthening the nation’s awareness of the importance of the oceans requires a heightened focus on the marine environment, through both formal and informal education efforts. School curricula, starting in kindergarten, should expose students to ocean issues, preparing the next generation of ocean scientists, managers,educators, and leaders through diverse educational opportunities. In addition, because formal curricula only reach students for a limited time, informal education aimed at the entire population is needed to foster lifelong learning."
In the first thorough review of ocean policy in 34 years, the Pew Oceans Commission released a host of recommendations in 2003 to guide the way in which the federal government will successfully manage America’s marine environment. The report found that more than 60 percent of America’s coastal rivers and bays are degraded by nutrient runoff. Crucial species like groundfish and salmon are under assault from overfishing. Invasive species are establishing themselves in the nation’s coastal waters. The Final Report of the Pew Oceans Commission finds that proven, workable solutions to the crisis in our oceans exist, but such successes will remain the exception rather than the rule until we chart a new course for ocean management.
