OL Essential Principles — National Marine Educators Association

The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Science

Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you—and your influence on the ocean. There are seven Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy comprising 45 Fundamental Concepts. View and/or download the complete Ocean Literacy Guide or explore each of the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts.

Ocean Literacy Principle #1

Earth has one big ocean with many features.

Ocean Literacy Principle #4

The ocean makes Earth habitable.

Ocean Literacy Principle #7

The ocean is largely unexplored.

Ocean Literacy Principle #2

The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.

Ocean Literacy Principle #5

The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

Ocean Literacy Principle #3

The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

Ocean Literacy Principle #6

The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.