More Than One-Way to Catch a Fish: Use of Effective Translation of Ocean Science to Promote Ocean Literacy

An understanding and appreciation of the ocean, Great Lakes and coasts´ role in our lives (from commerce to recreation to weather) and our interdependence upon them is a chief goal of the ocean literacy initiative. Today most Americans undervalue the ocean because few know and value the vital functions the ocean performs in service to our society and to each of us individually. One requisite for ocean literacy is the promotion of effective life-long learning of these vital functions and services through sustained communication that captures both our hearts and minds. Story development and data translation address one aspect of lifelong learning, the sustained supply of compelling and accurate science and technology stories about the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. Stories that educators and communication professionals can incorporate into all types of learning materials. Here we continue our examination of two models (Government Research Enterprise and an Academic Research Organization) that are case studies in developing and identifying highly effective story development and data translation practices.