The ocean is a source of life for human beings. It gives us food, oxygen and energy. It is home to many species and acts as climate regulator. Understanding how we influence the ocean and how the ocean influences us is at the core of ocean literacy. This understanding allows us to make responsible choices to protect our ocean better and to use the opportunities it offers in a sustainable manner. Thereby, it as also contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people, as envisioned in the European Green Deal.

The European Ocean Coalition (EU4Ocean) connects diverse organisations, projects and people that contribute to ocean literacy and the sustainable management of the ocean. Supported by the European Commission, this bottom-up inclusive initiative aims at uniting the voices of Europeans to make the ocean a concern of everyone!

It combines EU-wide activities with actions dedicated to the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean (including the North Sea), the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the global ocean.

The coalition consists of three components:

• EU4Ocean Platform, platform for organisations and individuals engaged in Ocean Literacy initiatives
• Youth4Ocean Forum, European Youth Forum for the Ocean
• Network of European Blue Schools

Other initiatives by DG MARE also contribute to ocean literacy such as:

• The European Atlas of the Seas which is an easy and fun way for professionals, students and anyone interested to learn more about Europe's seas and coasts, their environment, related human activities and European policies. It aims to raise long-term awareness of Europe's oceans and seas, in the context of the EU's integrated maritime policy.

• A European event to engage youth in developing ideas for the sustainable use of the marine environment and resources while minimizing the negative impacts of human activities, is the Hack4Oceans. This 2-day Youth Innovation Event will give young participants across Europe the possibility to learn, explore and co-create opportunities for prosperity through ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The event will bring together undergraduate students and professional stakeholders coming from the private sector, policy-making and academia.

Hack4oceans participants will develop ideas and solutions to several important and urgent challenges related to:

• • Marine Litter;
  • Alternative food from the ocean;
  • Ocean and Climate Change;
  • Protecting and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems.

Postponed due to Covid19, the Hack4oceans will take place in Brussels (BE) on 21 and 22 April 2021.

More information

Ocean Literacy Platform

European Atlas of the Seas

EMFF Datahub