"Simply put," says Billy Spitzer of the New England Aquarium, "ocean literacy is understanding how we affect the oceans, and how the oceans affect us." Spitzer is the aquarium's Vice President for Planning, Programs & Exhibits.
He has a PhD in Chemical Oceanography, along with many years of experience in informal science education.
"Humans are having major impacts on the ocean in so many ways," Spitzer continues, "from oil spills to overfishing and climate change. And, so many people depend on the ocean for their food, their livelihood, or recreation."
Spitzer's favorite hands-on activity to promote ocean literacy? Messing around where the land and ocean meet--in tidepools.
"The more you look," he says, "the more you find. Patience, sharp eyes, willing fingers, and a sense of adventure are all rewarded."
Check out SMILE's Tide Pool Survival activity, which lets you create you own tidepool, or take a look at our list of Ocean Literacy activities.