There is an alarming disconnect between how young people recognise the ocean’s role in tackling climate change and the priority they think measures to help it should be given, according to a new survey.

The study by ocean health initiative Back to Blue reveals the concerning gaps in ocean literacy levels among 18–24-year-olds in 35 countries.

Three quarters of respondents said they are concerned about the state of ocean health, yet nearly two thirds (61%) believe deforestation and other climate issues should be prioritised over ocean conservation. Almost half (47%) believed the ocean is still in good health.

Young people also have indicated high expectations for governments, NGOs, and local communities yet less than half of young people want government action that will ensure the ocean’s health and only 17 per cent want to see corporations and businesses take increased responsibility. Considering young people voiced concern about ocean contamination – chemical pollution (48 per cent) and plastic pollution (50 per cent), these findings highlight a fundamental misunderstanding about who holds responsibility for ocean pollution, the authors said, especially.

Peter Thomson, UN Ocean Envoy warns “This level of low ocean literacy risks hindering progress and funding for protecting our oceans”, and urges “we must invest in educating young people about the importance of ocean health and how to safeguard it for the future.” The authors of the study called on educators and policymakers to incorporate ocean literacy into school curriculums to “equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our oceans and address the challenges they face”.