CommOCEAN 2020 conference proceedings. CommOCEAN 2020 - 4th International Marine Science Communication Conference

Abstract

CommOCEAN is for communicators working in marine institutes, governmental bodies and NGO's, and marine scientists looking to develop skills in modern ocean science communication, wherever in the world they are working. The conference programme seeks to combine hands-on exercises in current science communication skills for disseminating ocean research and technology, with plenty of expertise-sharing, social interaction and fascinating marine science along the way. Dissemination, outreach and communication of scientific knowledge has never been more important in today's society, where social inclusion is an integral part of environmental protection and sustainable development. This is particularly true for the world of ocean research, a world that is largely hidden from our view, representing an added challenge to the communication of marine research. From its inception, the Ocean Literacy movement has advocated closer interaction between marine scientists, educators and other stakeholders (the public, policy-makers, private sector), and inspired new events and networks all over the world. CommOCEAN is a prime example of such an initiative. The conference, as the International Marine Science Communication Conference, was launched by the European Marine Board Communications Panel (EMBCP) and organised in the first instance by its Portuguese partners (CIIMAR, Ciencia Viva) in Porto in 2014. It focused on a target audience of young marine scientists and communicators wanting to be trained in science communication skills. The second event held in Bruges-Ostend was organized by (VLIZ, and UNESCO/IOC/IODE) and incorporated a 1-day training program in the InnovOcean facilities in Ostend. The third conference was held in Southampton, UK in 2018 organised by the NOC. Due to travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th conference took place as a virtual event online, hosted and organised by the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences (Institute of Oceanology PAN, Poland).