The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences (XMAS 2025)

Ocean literacy refers more to understanding mutual influences between the ocean and humans. It is a fundamental tool to encourage people to have an active role in implementing sustainable actions. While ocean literacy is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, it is still in its early stages in China. Promoting ocean literacy in China presents significant challenges and opportunities, particularly for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). Mainly, it is constrained by the traditional focus on land-based development, ocean-related knowledge gaps in the formal education system, and limited financial support for ECOPs and NGOs. However, despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for ECOPs to advance ocean literacy in China. Growing governmental support and commitment to ocean sustainability, especially through policies like the "Marine Ecological Civilization" and "Beautiful China" initiatives, provides a robust policy framework that ECOPs can leverage. Technological advancements such as social media platforms and mobile apps also create new pathways for ECOPs to engage broader audiences, particularly youth, through digital content and diverse projects. International collaboration offers further opportunities for ECOPs to engage with global ocean literacy initiatives, such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and Ocean Literacy Hub Asia. Through these partnerships, ECOPs can access resources, training, and shared best practices. Domestically, integrating traditional marine knowledge and cultural heritage into ocean literacy efforts can make educational programs more relatable to local populations. Coastal communities in China have deep cultural ties to the ocean, which ECOPs can utilize in education and awareness campaigns. There is also growing potential within China's educational reform efforts. ECOPs can advocate for the inclusion of ocean literacy in school curricula and engage university students in transdisciplinary marine science initiatives. Public awareness campaigns, leveraging popular media and corporate social responsibility partnerships, offer additional avenues to promote marine conservation. In conclusion, while challenges such as limited awareness and resource constraints persist, ECOPs in China are well-positioned to drive ocean literacy through government collaboration, strategic use of technology, and education reform, thereby contributing to global ocean sustainability efforts.