Ocean literacy (OL) is increasingly recognised as a critical component of effective marine governance, yet it remains under-integrated within Marine Protected Area (MPA) management frameworks in Australia. While global initiatives have advanced the OL agenda, in Australia, significant gaps remain in understanding how place-based knowledge, community values, and stakeholder engagement influence conservation outcomes at local scales.
This study investigates OL within the Jervis Bay region, a complex and multi-jurisdictional seascape in New South Wales encompassing Federal, State, and co-designed MPAs, with high ecological, cultural, and recreational significance. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a customised Ocean & Society Survey (OSS) with qualitative stakeholder interviews. Participants include local community members, Traditional Custodians, marine users, educators, and policymakers.
Data collection is scheduled for 2026, assessing ocean knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and perceived stewardship responsibilities across stakeholder groups. The study will examine the alignment between OL and existing MPA management objectives, and identifies key barriers to integrating OL into policy and practice.
Expected outcomes include the identification of critical OL gaps, opportunities for targeted education strategies and evidence-based recommendations for embedding OL within MPA governance frameworks. This research will contribute to the development of a national OL strategy and support a more socially informed and effective marine conservation in Australia.