Ocean for Life fosters cultural understanding through the study of the ocean ecosystem. All life in the ocean is connected and in the same way our human cultures are all connected. Diversity is a strength in the ocean world. So too in ours. The goal of Ocean for Life is to bring better understanding of the diverse marine world and of the diverse peoples of the world. Our lives depend on close connections to the ocean -- and on the close connections that link us all.

To find out more about the program for the 2013 Ocean for Life field study, visit http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ofl.

Photo: Bryanna Fiame, American Samoa, Ocean for Life 2011

The idea for the Ocean for Life program has its roots in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, when the plane carrying three DC public school students, their teachers, and National Geographic Society staff en route to an ocean filed study in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon.

Since that tragedy, the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has been seeking a way to unite the communities affected through an understanding of how we - like the all life in the ocean - are connected.

At the center of Ocean for Life are high school students from Western and Greater Middle Eastern countries who have been selected to participate in a group field experience in a national marine sanctuary in the United States. When they return to their home communities, the participants are encouraged to use their experience to become better stewards of their local environment, promote its connection to the ocean, and strengthen the links they have built to the communities and cultures of their fellow participants.

The private, members only side of this website is to be used by participants to work together and create the messages of the program. Watch this public side of the site to experience the communication products of the participants' collaborations.

The Ocean for Life program is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, The GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program, Scubanauts International, Inc. and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. It is presented in collaboration with the National Geographic Society, American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Meridian International Center.

Ocean for Life: One World, One Ocean
Enhancing Cultural Understanding through Ocean Science

VISION
To promote cross-cultural understanding among world cultures through a greater appreciation of the ocean and how it connects us all.

MISSION
To provide high-quality, immersive ocean field studies and follow-on education programs to facilitate cross-cultural learning, appreciation and lasting experiences among multi-national students.

MAIN THEMES
Through Ocean for Life we seek to establish cultural connections that ultimately lead to better understanding and the strengthening of our global relationships. The main themes of Ocean for Life are: a sense of place, interconnectedness, and ocean conservation and stewardship.

A Sense of Place
Developing a sense of place stimulates curiosity about the world and its diverse inhabitants and habitats. Students will explore the fascinating ocean and coastal areas found within the national marine sanctuaries and draw comparisons with their own unique local and regional environments. 

Interconnectedness
Understanding the connections between Earth’s physical and human systems is fundamental to comprehending one’s own place in the world. Ocean for Life participants will learn about the interconnectedness of the world’s ocean and understand that their local actions impact the ocean, no matter where they live.  Students will also learn about the interconnectedness of people around the globe.

Ocean Conservation and Stewardship
The context of the National Marine Sanctuary System will be used to raise awareness of the importance of resources in the ocean. Participants will learn about the research, conservation, and stewardship activities being conducted to address the issues threatening ocean health and to protect the resources within it.

Photo: Emiliano Valle, Florida, Ocean for Life 2011