Identify and incorporate the essential principles & fundamental concepts of ocean science/knowledge into the educational curricula;
In order to inform, educate and inspire future citizens of the “Blue Society”, strengthen the cooperation between all partners involved; this should be an interdisciplinary and holistic exercise including social, gender, economic, cultural and ethical dimensions;
Create a closer contact between marine scientists and teachers (“Inspiring teachers is the quickest route to inspiring pupils”);
Marine scientists can and should play a role (“science heroes”); however, the issue for marine scientists is less to train them on communicating marine science than to give them incentives to do this outreach (currently they are “punished” if they are distracted from their scientific work)
Promote the use of visuals (documentaries, photos,…) as strong instruments in touching the public;
We need to use new technologies (ocean observation techniques, multimedia, social media, etc.) where appropriate and adding value;
Move from a one-way direction in communication towards a real dialogue; projects of citizen science that engage the public are a crucial element (e.g. “Mobilization and Mutual Learning” programmes);
Conduct more base-line studies on what Europeans know and want to know about the ocean at present; these studies can serve as the basis for future impact assessments of actions taken within this perspective;
Aquaria, museums and science centres already play an important role as ambassadors in developing a Blue Society; they should be supported in their efforts to incorporate more science into their programmes and activities;
Marine research projects should set aside a dedicated budget for outreach; this must be underpinned with a strategic plan and a reflection on how to make this outreach effective and respond to societal needs, and to maximize the project impact;
The development of a strong European vision on Ocean Literacy, integrated into European marine and maritime policy documents; a working group will be facilitated by the conference organizers and a wider consultation with marine scientific and educational institutions will be carried out, in order to provide the necessary advice to the European Commission.