Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

Exploring Australians’ Relationship with the Ocean: Results from a National Ocean Literacy Survey (139540)

Consuelo Quevedo 1 , Brianna Le Busque 2 , Patricia Corbett 3 , Rachel Kelly 4 , emma church 4 , Rebecca Shellock 5 , Adam Cardilini 6 , Prue Francis 1
  1. Deakin University, Queenscliff, VICTORIA, Australia
  2. Adelaide University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  3. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
  4. University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
  5. University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  6. School of Life &Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia

With over 87% of Australians living near the coast, the ocean is deeply embedded in the nation’s identity and well-being. Despite growing interest in ocean literacy (OL), Australia currently lacks a unified strategy and baseline data to guide coordinated national efforts toward sustainable ocean engagement. This presentation introduces preliminary findings from Australia’s first national ocean literacy survey, designed to assess how Australians understand, value, and interact with the ocean.

Grounded in a multidimensional OL framework, the survey has engaged more than 2,000 participants nationwide, examining key dimensions including knowledge, emotional connection, behaviours, and perceived barriers to engagement. The findings provide critical insights into human–ocean relationships across demographic groups, informing national sustainability strategies and supporting Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan.

By establishing a national OL baseline, this study contributes to global ocean stewardship efforts while strengthening the national policy landscape. The results offer an evidence base to guide policy development, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, ultimately fostering deeper and more sustainable connections between Australians and their marine environment.