Develop Communications Strategies and Tools

Over the last few years, The Ocean Project has identified and developed an important communications framework to increase ocean awareness and education among people who visit aquariums and zoos. Based on major public opinion research we conducted, our communications strategy incorporates several key elements into an effective conservation message that will help engage the public and increase concern for the health and protection of our ocean planet.

• Element 1: Appeal to, and promote, positive emotional connections to the ocean that most people possess;
• Element 2: Convey information through an "interconnectedness of life" framework that conveys the importance of the interconnectedness of all life, which holds high credibility with most people;
• Element 3: Emphasize the importance and power of individual responsibility in protecting oceans for the future.

The following downloadable presentation was created for our partners to enable them to better implement The Ocean Project's message strategy. By working with our partners to integrate this model into all exhibits, activities and education programs, we hope to successfully create a sea change in society about ocean conservation.

New case studies from our partners are continually being sought, so if you have a case study that you would like The Ocean Project to share with our partner network, please let us know.

See The Ocean Project's currrent and completed public opinion study reports.

Communicating for Conservation Workshops

In 2001, The Ocean Project began to conduct workshops to bring our communications strategy directly to key staff at our partner aquariums, zoos, and museums. We conducted 6 workshops from late 2002 to early 2003, and we plan to continue conducting these day-long conservation communications workshops at Partner Institutions throughout the country. By collaborating with our partners in conducting these interactive workshops and related activities, we plan to significantly increase the capacity of staff at these institutions to effectively educate their visitors about conservation through improved exhibits, outreach and other educational programs. At each workshop, we bring together approximately 25 key department staff, including top administrators, directors of education, exhibits, communications, marketing, public relations and other appropriate departments. Our hope is that by reaching the key staff, they will eventually reach the other staff and volunteers at these educational institutions and, ultimately, their millions of visitors. If you would like a conservation communications workshop at your institution, please contact us.

The Ocean Project is continually seeking ways to improve communication for conservation. We are refining and developing strategies and tools, including making our website an even better resource, in order to help all our partners' efforts. If you have suggestions, please contact us.