The Convex Seascape Survey is a pioneering, five year partnership led by ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, University of Exeter and Convex Insurance Ltd. Its aim is to deliver brand new open-source data on how the seascape stores carbon, ultimately providing the answers the world needs to fully incorporate the ocean into efforts to slow climate change. 

One important pillar of the Survey is its education unit which seeks to engage the next generation with ocean restoration and conservation by providing an innovative education programme that helps teachers worldwide to embed critical themes into the curriculum. According to marine scientist and lead scientist on the Convex Seascape Survey, Dr Ceri Lewis, urgent action is required to educate the next generation on how ocean health is critical to sustain life on earth. In this interview, she explains why promoting ocean literacy in British schools is so important.

Oceanographic: Why do you think that ocean literacy should be taught in every British school? 

Dr Ceri Lewis: “The ocean is currently under the most stress it has even been – caused by humans. If we don’t reduce those impacts soon, we’ll see long lasting damage to the oceans, and we’ll feel the effects not just in terms of less fish to eat but also, importantly, the ocean will be less able to take up heat, and store less carbon, leading to dramatic increases in global warming. Many believe the ocean to be a big expanse that is so large it’s difficult to comprehend. But as David Attenborough said, “you only protect the things you understand,” so it’s vital that we educate children on how important the ocean is for a healthy planet, and how we need to be looking after it, just as much as the amazon rainforest.”

Oceanographic: Creatures below the surface play a critical role in climate regulation, yet today’s education system touches little on the ocean. What practical steps should educators take to incorporate ocean education into their curricula? 

Dr Ceri Lewis: “With the Convex Seascape Survey and our education work, we are explicitly connecting the ocean and climate change for the first time. It cannot come at a more important period, and we aim to have our resources reach 5 million young people across the world. My advice for teachers includes: Art and English are important subjects which can be used to bring the ocean to life in storytelling for youngsters. Get creative and capture their imagination, whether it’s making clay models of sea worms or painting pictures of sea potatoes. We have worked with artist Naomi Hart to bring the findings of the Convex Seascape Survey to life, through creating artwork of the creatures that live in the sea and sequester carbon.

Furthermore, create awe and wonder about the ocean, especially for young primary school children, explaining what lies beneath and simple actions they can take to sustain ocean health. Get outdoors and go on trips – rockpooling is one of the best activities to educate children about the vast biodiversity of the ocean environment, and what better way to learn than to experience the environment firsthand. Last but not least, introduce ocean references to existing parts of the curriculum. We learn about photosynthesis and respiration but it’s usually in relation to flowering plants – why not talk about it in the capacity of a marine environment too?” 

Watch a video of scientists, including Dr Ceri Lewis, explain the science behind the Convex Seascape Survey:

Oceanographic: What are currently the main barriers of ocean literacy in schools?  

Dr Ceri Lewis: “Teachers shared with us what the barriers were in terms of introducing ocean literacy into the curriculum. They hadn’t received any specific training on the ocean as part of their PGCE’s and so lacked confidence in bringing it into lessons. We also heard that not many children, particularly those in inner city schools could afford trips to the seaside and don’t have access to wellington boots or waterproofs, so there are limitations there too.”

Oceanographic: What are the longer term benefits for science, research and policy of starting ocean literacy at a young age? 

Dr Ceri Lewis: “There are small steps and everyday actions that children can learn about, which can be implemented quite easily and have an impact on the ocean environment. These could be the detergent you buy, making an effort to reduce plastic waste and being more aware of these ecosystems and how important they are for the future of our planet.” 

Oceanographic: How exactly is the Convex Seascape Survey trying to advance ocean literacy in UK schools?

Dr Ceri Lewis: “The Convex Seascape Survey is focused on inspiring children to care for the ocean by introducing them to the wide array of fascinating marine life, especially the lesser-known creatures that inhabit the seabed. Through education, the programme fosters a sense of awe and wonder, helping young people connect emotionally to these ecosystems. By making students aware of the ‘cool’ animals that live in marine mud, the survey encourages them to care for and protect these habitats.”

Victoria Turner, education lead at Blue Marine Foundation: “As partners of the Convex Seascape Survey, Blue Marine Foundation’s Education Unit works to illuminate the Ocean-Climate nexus and its role in engaging the next generation with ocean restoration and conservation. We recognised the centrality of this research to understanding the ocean‘s role in climate regulation, carbon storage and climate change mitigation. As such, running parallel to the survey, we support an innovative education programme helping teachers worldwide to embed these critical themes into the curriculum.”

Oceanographic: How have environmental changes impacted the ocean over the past decade?

Dr Ceri Lewis: “The past decade has seen dramatic changes in the ocean due to rising temperatures. From May 2023 to May 2024, ocean temperatures hit record highs each month, resulting in the first-ever year-long period of extreme heat. This has caused widespread coral bleaching, not just in the Great Barrier Reef but across the globe, marking the fourth mass global bleaching event. Rising temperatures are putting immense pressure on marine life, causing species to move – particularly in regions like the Arctic, which is beginning to resemble the North Atlantic. We know very little about how these changes are affecting the animals living in mud, but it is clear that the entire food supply for these benthic species is under threat.”

Oceanographic: How can the ocean help slow climate change, and what can we as individuals do to mitigate the effects?

Dr Ceri Lewis: “The ocean is a vast carbon store, and its role in absorbing carbon dioxide is critical in slowing climate change. However, for the ocean to function at its best, we must minimise disruptions, such as pollution and habitat destruction. While individual actions, like reducing plastic use and being mindful of household chemicals, can help protect coastal environments, systemic change is crucial. The real solution lies in addressing the global processes that contribute to carbon emissions. We must all take responsibility, but true progress will require a complete shift in how we tackle environmental issues at a global scale.”

Oceanographic: How can we convince young people to care more for the ocean and its many wonderful inhabitants?

Dr Ceri Lewis: “To encourage young people to care for the ocean, we need to foster a sense of connection by introducing them to its wonders. Through the work we do in education projects, like the Convex Seascape Survey, we aim to engage students by showing them the extraordinary creatures that live in the ocean, even in its mud. When children are excited about marine life, they’re far more likely to care about it. Inspiring young people by exposing them to the beauty of the natural world is key to ensuring they become the next generation of ocean stewards.”

Oceanographic: What do you hope for the future and for young people?

Dr Ceri Lewis: “The ocean is facing a critical moment, and the alarming rise in sea temperatures is causing a great deal of concern. I’ve personally found it overwhelming at times, I genuinely lost sleep when the highest ever recorded temperatures were announced – we cannot afford to ignore these trends. However, I’m inspired by the young scientists I teach at the University of Exeter, as well as the young people involved in our education programmes. There are many fantastic initiatives emerging worldwide, including the Convex Seascape Survey, that aim to make a positive impact. My hope is that the next generation will feel empowered to take action and become the heroes our planet needs. We must maintain hope and inspire young people to build a better future.”

Find out more about the Convex Seascape Survey here: