EMSEA 2024 will take place in Zadar, Croatia. Zadar is a 3000-year-old city situated in the middle of the eastern Adriatic coastline, and according to Alfred Hitchcock, it's a city with the most beautiful sunset in the world. The conference host will be the University of Zadar (UNIZD), a member of the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability (EU-CONEXUS) alliance. The conference will be co-organized by UNIZD and the NGO Marine Explorers Society - 20.000 leagues, both working together as the pioneers of ocean literacy in Croatia.
Join us in Zadar this September, enjoy the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle and tradition, Zadar's sunset and sea organs, and (re)discover your connection with the ocean in this unique part of the one big ocean – the Adriatic Sea.
The program will consist of presentations and workshops on the following topics:
- Ocean literacy and the blue economy
- Inclusive ocean literacy
- Ocean literacy and education
- Ocean literacy and natural sciences
- Ocean literacy beyond natural sciences
- Ocean literacy and academia
- Ocean literacy research
- Ocean literacy and water sports
- Open session
How to get there
Registration
Presenter Information
If you are a presenting author, please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a seamless presentation experience.
Oral Presentations:
- Duration: Each presentation is allocated 10 minutes, followed by a 2-minute Q&A session.
- Presentation Setup: Presentations must be operated from the conference-provided computer; personal laptops or devices cannot be connected.
- Accepted Formats: Please prepare your slides in PowerPoint (ppt) or PDF format.
- Submission Deadline: Presentations must be uploaded to the conference computer by the morning of your scheduled presentation day.
Poster Presentations:
- Size: A1 format (594 x 841 mm or 59.4 x 84.1 cm).
- Orientation: Portrait.
Indoor Workshops:
- Location: classroom
- Equipment: tables, chairs, presentation equipment
Outdoor Workshops:
- Location: coastline in front of the venue
Programme
DAY 1 | 23.09.2024
08:30-09:30 Registration
09:30-09:45 Opening and Welcome Speech
- Rector/Prorector of the University of Zadar
- Nicola Bridge, Chair/President of the European Marine Science Educators Association
- Melita Mokos, Chair of the Organizing Committee, University of Zadar
Keynote talk
09:45-10:10 Nicola Bridge, Craig Strang: 20 years of Ocean Literacy: From Decades of Ocean Literacy to an Ocean Decade
Keynote talk
10:10-10:35 Lucy Hunt: The Ocean Race
10:35-11:10 Coffee break and registration
Ocean Literacy and Water Sports
11:10-11:20 Maria Stella Scordo: The life a-mar natura2000 sailing campaign as instrument of ocean literacy
11:25-11:35 Frederico Almada: Kids Dive: Using scuba diving to foster a deeper understanding of the Ocean among school students
Ocean Literacy and Natural Sciences
11:40-11:50 Dina Eparkhina: Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering Scientists as Ocean Advocates
11:55-12:05 Francesca Alvisi: From geodiversity to biodiversity: how and why to practice this fundamental relationship
12:10-12:20 Juanita Zorrilla Pujana: Ocean citizen: storytelling for engaging communication
12:25-13:40 Lunch break (included in the registration fee)
Ocean Literacy and Blue Economy
13:40-13:50 Evelyn Paredes-Coral: Ocean literacy for a more sustainable blue economy: why knowing about the ocean isn't enough?
13:55-14:05 Basia Dmochowska: Education and raising awareness on sustainable and innovative aquaculture for blue growth
14:10-14:20 Juanita Zorrilla Pujana: Beyond the plate: seafood literacy's role in the blue economy
14:25-14:35 Ioannis Katsounis: Ocean literacy as a catalyst for sustainable blue economy development in Greece
14:40-14:50 Mariana Almeida: How are blue economy concepts being integrated into ocean literacy initiatives?
14:55-15:05 Dimitris Gavalas: Navigating Yacht Cruisers' Sociology: A Comprehensive Study on Destination Development and User-Driven Logistics for Enhanced Cruising Facilities and Experiences
Workshops (parallel workshops between 15:15-16:15)
- Yolanda Koulouri: BlueMinds4Teachers: design and implementation of a digital toolkit for empowering educators in ocean literacy (ROOM tba)
- Geraldine Fauville: Aligning National Curricula and Ocean Literacy: An opportunity for EMSEA-wide collaboration (ROOM tba)
- Cushla Dromgool-Regan: Explorers' fin-tastic sharks, mermaids and magical creativity on the shore (OUTDOORS)
Workshops (parallel workshops between 16:15-17:15)
- Craig Strang: Examining Equitable and Inclusive Work Environments in Environmental Education: Perspectives from the Field and Implications for the Field (ROOM tba)
- Emma Lamport: Project Starfish (OUTDOORS)
19:00 Sunset wine reception at UNESCO International Center for Underwater Archaeology
DAY 2 | 24.09.2024
08:30-09:00 Registration
Keynote talk
09:00-09:20 Emma McKinley: Ocean literacy: The ocean research we need for the ocean we want
Ocean Literacy Beyond Natural Sciences
09:20-09:30 Vera Noon: Intersecting Ocean Literacy and Maritime Archaeology: Maritime
Cultural Heritage for behavioural change!
09:35-09:45 Mladen Pešić: System of Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural
Heritage on Velika Shallows, Letavica, and Baron Gautsch sites
09:50-10:00 Maria Vittoria Marra: 'Galway Bay is calling': a participatory music project
aimed at promoting ocean literacy from the west coast of Ireland
10:05-10:15 Emma McKinley: Bringing the ocean to the stage: Performing Coastal
Values and Marine Management
10:20-11:30 Poster session and Coffee break
Ocean Literacy Research
11:30-11:40 Jen McRuer: Understanding human-ocean connections and values through
the global ocean & society survey
11:45-11:55 Giulia Realdon: Investigating Ocean connections among a sample of children
and adults attending ocean literacy workshops and lectures
12:00-12:10 Géraldine Fauville: Underwater Virtual Reality for Awe, Ocean Connectedness,
and Pro-Environmental Behavior
12:15-12:25 Ffion Mitchell-Langford: Hiraeth yn y mor - equitably growing community-scale ocean literacy for marine management, health & well-being in North East Wales (UK)
12:30-12:40 Jelena Basta: Engaging tourists in ocean literacy through two different forms
of ecotourism programmes
12:45-14:40 Lunch break (not included in the registration fee)
Inclusive Ocean Literacy
14:45-14:55 Rada Pandeva: Thalassophile project: making marine science and ocean literacy universally accessible
15:00-15:10 Freyja Thomson-Alberts: Ocean for all - breaking barriers to access and bringing the ocean inland
Ocean Literacy and Academia + Open Session
15:15-15:25 Tammy D. Lee: Promoting Relationship with the Ocean Through an Immersive Whale Experience
15:30-15:40 Ninja Mueller: The global marine curriculum - decolonising and
deanthropocentralising marine education
Workshops (parallel workshops between 15:45-17:15)
- Yolanda Koulouri: Fins into the water workshop: Water sports to enhance Mediterranean Sea Literacy (ROOM tba)
- Caroline Schio: Engaging Educators in Coastal Monitoring: A Hands-on Workshop with the Coastal Junior Monitoring Project (OUTDOORS)
- Eliane Bastos: Body mapping the human-ocean relationship (ROOM tba)
19:00 Conference Dinner
DAY 3 | 25.09.2024
08:30-09:00 Registration
Ocean Literacy and Education
09:00-09:10 Mark Ward: Somerset school coastal champions award: an initiative to engage
young people with their local marine and coastal environments
09:15-09:25 Rita Borges: Let's scale up the blue generation!
09:30-09:40 Thomas Mtontsi: Towards the support of others with knowledge and science
skills using a marine science context
09:45-09:55 Caitlin Ransom: Empowering educators: Promoting Ocean literacy through Blue
Schools
10:00-10:10 Rebecca Katsaris: Increasing marine environmental awareness through the
creative arts
10:15-10:25 Jadranka Šepić: Oceanographers on the island - bringing ocean education to
Croatian islands and beyond
10:30-11:00 Coffee break
11:00-12:30 Panel discussion on Blue Education in Europe and beyond
12:30-13:30 Lunch break (included in the registration fee)
13:30-14:00 Conclusions and Wrap up, EMSEA 2025, Thank you and goodbye!
14:00-16:30 Panel discussion: Initialization of Blue Education in Croatia – opportunities and barriers
18:30 Blue Caffe + evening photo exhibition
DAY 4 | 26.09.2024
Fieldtrip – MPA Telašćica
Silent auction
Join us for a special silent auction fundraiser during the wine reception on Monday, 23 September, to support travel bursaries for future EMSEA conferences. These funds will help presenters who are unable to finance their trips, including individuals from vulnerable communities, developing countries, and young professionals.
A silent auction works by displaying various items or experiences for attendees to bid on via written bid sheets. You can either write your name or remain anonymous by using a bidder number. The highest bid at the close of the auction wins the item!
Organized by EMSEA members for EMSEA members, we encourage all attendees to bring an item to contribute. Examples include books, handmade crafts like toys, keychains, jewelry, artwork, or items representing your home region or country. The auction's success depends on your generosity and the unique, exciting items up for bid.
Every contribution helps! Ideally, we'd love to see donations that reflect your local culture or marine-themed treasures. So, take a moment to go through your collection and bring something along for a great cause. Plus, this will free up some space in your suitcase to take home something new!
Please tell us in the registration form if you will bring an item for the silent auction.
Organizers and Partners
Organizer
Partner
Call for abstracts
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS NOW CLOSED.
EMSEA 2024 calls for abstract submissions for oral (10 minutes), poster presentations, and workshops on the following themes:
Abstract Themes
- OCEAN LITERACY AND BLUE ECONOMY
Ocean literacy is essential for the success of the sustainable blue economy, as it equips individuals and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about sustainable resource utilization, conservation, and
economic development. In this session, we look for abstracts showcasing different practices and initiatives that align the economic potential of the ocean with a profound understanding of their ecosystems, fostering sustainable blue
economy and responsible resource management. Some examples are integration of ocean literacy principles into blue economy strategies, case studies on sustainable practices within blue economy sectors, the role of education in promoting blue economy awareness and engagement, innovative technologies and methodologies contributing to both ocean literacy and the blue economy, partnerships and collaborations for fostering responsible
development within the blue economy, etc.
- INCLUSIVE OCEAN LITERACY
Inclusive ocean literacy seeks to ensure that education and engagement with the ocean are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, culture, or abilities, by addressing and removing barriers to participation and learning. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and knowledge systems in understanding and stewarding the marine environment, fostering a more equitable and comprehensive approach to ocean conservation and management. We want to hear about your data and experience in different initiatives, and educational practices that promote a more inclusive understanding of the oceans, recognizing and embracing diverse perspectives, voices, and experiences such as inclusive educational approaches that consider diverse learning styles and abilities, case studies on successful inclusive ocean literacy programs, the role of technology and multimedia in making ocean literacy more accessible to diverse audiences.
- OCEAN LITERACY AND EDUCATION
Session on ocean literacy and education brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to share insights, innovations, and best practices that enhance understanding and appreciation of the oceans through educational initiatives. In this session we welcome abstracts about innovative approaches to integrating ocean literacy into formal and informal education, projects integrating and promoting ocean literacy among different educational stakeholders, educational technology and digital resources advancing ocean literacy, interdisciplinary collaborations between educators, scientists, and policymakers, evaluation and assessment of ocean literacy programs in educational settings, etc.
- OCEAN LITERACY AND NATURAL SCIENCES
Natural sciences provide the essential knowledge base for ocean literacy, enabling individuals to comprehend the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems, the impact of human activities, and the broader scientific context of ocean dynamics. This session seeks to showcase innovative approaches to teaching ocean literacy within natural science disciplines, research in marine biology, oceanography, and related fields contributing to ocean literacy, the role of technology in advancing understanding and awareness of ocean science, effective communication strategies for translating scientific knowledge to diverse audiences.
- OCEAN LITERACY BEYOND NATURAL SCIENCES
Ocean literacy extends beyond natural marine sciences by integrating knowledge from diverse fields such as geography, history, economics, and law, thus emphasizing the broader impact of oceans on human societies and the planet as a whole. In this session we welcome abstracts about cultural and artistic expressions contributing to ocean literacy, economic, geopolitical, and legal dimensions of ocean literacy, historical perspectives and narratives shaping our understanding of the seas, etc.
- OCEAN LITERACY AND ACADEMIA
Academia can play a crucial role in contributing to ocean literacy by engaging in various activities that promote understanding, awareness, and sustainable management of the ocean. In this session we look for abstracts which explore innovative educational practices such as integrating ocean literacy into academic curricula across disciplines, collaborative initiatives between academia and ocean literacy programs, the role of academic institutions in promoting public awareness of marine issues, best practices in engaging students and faculty in ocean literacy initiatives, impactful partnerships between academia and the wider community for ocean education, etc.
- OCEAN LITERACY RESEARCH
Ocean literacy is emerging and evolving as a new research topic in recent years. It involves studying and understanding the various aspects related to public awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, including different dimensions of ocean literacy. Key areas of focus in this session are studies of different aspects and dimensions of ocean literacy, methodological advancements in assessing ocean literacy levels, the impact of ocean literacy on individual behaviors and community engagement, crosscultural perspectives in ocean literacy research, interdisciplinary approaches in studying the effectiveness of ocean literacy programs, etc.
- OCEAN LITERACY AND WATER SPORTS
Water sports provide a direct, immersive experience with the marine environment, fostering a personal connection and deeper appreciation for the ocean that can motivate individuals to learn about and protect marine ecosystems. This session is focused on the dynamic intersection of ocean literacy and water sports and explores how recreational activities in marine environments can serve as powerful platforms for educating the public about the oceans, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting sustainable practices. We want to hear from you about the innovative approaches to www.emseanet.eu integrating ocean literacy in water sports programs, case studies on the impact of water sports on ocean awareness and conservation, strategies for engaging diverse communities in ocean literacy through water sports, research on the psychological and social benefits of combining water sports with environmental education, development of technologies or methods that enhance ocean literacy outcomes in water sport activities.
- OPEN SESSION
You have a story related to ocean literacy which you want to share but it doesn't fit any of the topics? Then the Open session is for you. Submit your abstract here!
Guidelines for Abstract Submission
- Your abstract is limited to 500 words and without figures or images. Please include all co-author names and affiliations as prompted.
- Abstracts must be submitted by 15 May.
- Authors must specify whether they are submitting an abstract for an oral presentation, a poster presentation or a workshop.
- The accuracy of the submitted abstract is the responsibility of the authors, so authors should prepare and proof read their abstracts carefully before submitting.
- All correspondence relating to abstracts will be undertaken by email with the first named author/registered presenter, so it is their responsibility to communicate any relevant information regarding the submitted abstract and the conference to the other authors.
- By submitting an abstract, the first named author confirms on behalf of the co-authors that the abstract is their own original work and that they have obtained any necessary permissions relating to the information submitted. In addition, the first named author must ensure that he/she has the approval and copyright assignment from any co-authors and contributors involved in the work.
Speakers
Craig Strang
Consultant and Associate Director Emeritus of Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley
More Information
Nicola Bridge
Head of Ocean Advocacy and Engagement at Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) and EMSEA President
More Information
Emma
McKinley
Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mckinley-56370512/Dr Emma McKinley is a Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University. Her research focuses on understanding the complex relationships between society and the sea, taking account of diverse perceptions, attitudes and values held by different communities and audiences, and considers how this insight can be used to support effective ocean governance. Her recent work has been through the SMMR project, Integrating Diverse Values into UK Marine Management, with a specific focus on the understanding diverse values of communities through the lens of ocean literacy. Emma is the founder of the Marine Social Science Network, a global, interdisciplinary community of marine social science researchers and practitioners, sits on the UK’s National Decade Committee for the UN Ocean Decade, and IOC-UNESCO’s Global Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy.
Lucy Hunt is the Ocean Impact Director of The Ocean Race, using the global round-the-world sailing event to create positive impact for the ocean and ocean literacy. She has worked with the race since 2017, initially creating and managing The Ocean Race Learning programme, which is being used in 83 countries, and has won two REIMAGINE Education Awards. The Ocean Race Learning programmes have been highlighted as case studies by IUCN Sports 4 Nature and the International Olympic Committee Best practice Reports. Lucy is currently undertaking a PhD on the influence of The Ocean Race Learning programmes on ocean literacy and pro-environmental behaviour. She is also the founder of Sea Synergy Marine Awareness, Research & Activity Centre in SW Ireland, which helps connect all ages to the ocean through a number of different informal education activities.
Craig Strang
Consultant and Associate Director Emeritus of Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley
Craig Strang is a consultant and Associate Director Emeritus of Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley where he worked for 32 years. His work spans science, ocean and environmental literacy in education systems nationally and internationally, with a focus on centering equity and justice. He co-founded/co-led the US Ocean Literacy Campaign and co-developed the Ocean Literacy Framework that resulted in inclusion of ocean sciences in the US Next Generation Science Standards. He currently co-leads the California Campaign for Outdoor Learning that builds on the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative that he co-founded. He co-led development of the California Blueprint for Environmental Literacy that has increased science and environmental learning statewide. His work on BEETLES: Better Environmental Education Teaching, Learning and Expertise Sharing and The Working Toward Racial Equity Project significantly impacts outdoor learning throughout the US. He was founding Director of MARE: Marine Activities, Resources & Education, the most widely used elementary marine science program in the US. He has conducted research on marine mammals, and led ecotours to the Galapagos Islands, East Africa, Baja California/Sea of Cortez, and along the California coast.
Nicola
Bridge
Head of Ocean Advocacy and Engagement at Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) and EMSEA President
Nicola Bridge is the Head of Ocean Advocacy and Engagement at the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT). Nicola is a Conservation Biologist with over 16 years of experience in both formal and informal environmental education and engagement and science communication, specifically linked to the marine environment
Nicola has dedicated her career to supporting people to connect with the Ocean, accessing the benefits it provides, whilst simultaneously fostering their own understanding of how they can help support a thriving Ocean themselves. Through her work, many thousands of people have been able to experience the Ocean first hand.
She is passionate about changing the Ocean conservation narrative, recognising that everyone on the planet is responsible for the health of the natural world, moving from raising awareness, to taking action.
Nicola is a member of the Defra Ocean Literacy Working Group and a founder of the We Are Ocean network. Nicola is President of EMSEA (European Marine Science Educators Association), leading the organisation to act as a hub for the Ocean education community. She is Co-Chair of a UN Ocean Decade Working Group, focusing on global sustainable change in human behaviour to support the health of the Ocean.
Organizing committee
- Melita Mokos, Chair of the Organizing Committee, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Croatia,
- Ivana Zubak Čižmek, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Croatia
- Jelena Lončar, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Croatia
- Igor Radeka, Department of Pedagogy, University of Zadar, Croatia
- Maja Cindrić, Department of Teacher and Preschool Teacher Education, University of Zadar, Croatia
- Ivana Klarica, Department of Teacher and Preschool Teacher Education, University of Zadar, Croatia
- Barbara Čolić, 20000 Leagues Marine Explorers Society, Croatia
- Hrvoje Čižmek, 20000 Leagues Marine Explorers Society, Croatia
- Mladen Pešić, International Centre for Underwater Archaeology UNESCO , Croatia
- Evy Copejans, European Marine Science Educators Association, Belgium
- Dominika Wojcieszek, European Marine Science Educators Association, Poland
- Demetra Orthodoxou, AKTI Project and Research Centre, Cyprus
