Explorers Education Programme Reveals Massive Surge in Ocean Literacy in 2025

 

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Celebrating World Ocean Day throughout June, the Explorers Education Programme, Ireland’s leading marine initiative fostering ocean literacy and STEM among primary students, has released its 2025 Ocean Literacy & Engagement Report. Results reveal a substantial rise in student knowledge and a transformative increase in teacher confidence in delivering marine themed cross-curricular content.

"With World Ocean Day celebrations marking the importance the ocean has on our lives, the Marine Institute is delighted to see that the Explorers 2025 Ocean Literacy & Engagement Report confirms the programme’s profound effectiveness in bridging knowledge gaps about the ocean’s critical impact on our daily lives with both teachers and children," said Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute. "Equipping the children in primary school with this knowledge and engagement is essential for the future sustainable development of our ocean and coastline."

2025 Explorers Ocean Literacy & Engagement Highlights – Sea Our Stats 

The report stats summary shows that the programme saw high demand across 14 counties:

  • Total Reach: 12,707 children and 821 teachers.

  •  Diverse Delivery: 423 modules, including Seashore Safaris, class projects, 'Aquariums in the Class,' STEM workshops, and 'Healthy Ocean School' projects.

  • Awards: Five Explorers Ocean Champion Awards recognised excellence in STEM, SDGs, Arts, and Outdoor Marine Education, involving 162 teachers leading community collaborations.

Teacher Confidence and Student Achievement

"This year we are also celebrating the Explorers 20th Anniversary, and we are delighted that the 2025 evaluation reveals a major shift in educator perception, with teachers moving from uncertainty regarding complex marine topics to becoming enthusiastic champions," explained Programme Manager Cushla Dromgool-Regan.

Supported by high-quality resources and a dedicated outreach team, 100% of surveyed teachers strongly endorsed integrating marine themes into the SESE curriculum. Educators reported these projects supported the delivery of the primary school curriculum framework enhancing student literacy, communication, and digital skills, while interest in using marine topics to teach numeracy nearly doubled—rising from 33% to 62%.

This empowerment correlates with improved student outcomes. Pre- and post-engagement assessments showed a 48.3% overall growth in student knowledge. Most impressively, students demonstrated 93% accuracy regarding Irish marine biodiversity and 92% concerning the ocean's role in providing resources like food and medicine.

"The evaluation underscores the versatility of the ocean as a powerful, multidisciplinary learning tool," added Ms Dromgool-Regan.

The Power of Collective Collaboration

The success of the Explorers Education Programme and increase in ocean literacy across Ireland is driven by robust partnerships. Corporate Services Director Patricia Orme highlighted "Our 2025 results underscore the value of working with our outreach team along with decision-makers in advancing marine education.”

“Through collaborations with the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy (DCEE), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and support through the EU BlueLightS & Explorers innovative project, we are fostering a deeper connection to marine biodiversity and our marine heritage—fundamental to Ireland’s environmental restoration and the sustainability of our blue economy.

“Furthermore, with teacher training supported by the Department of Education and Skills, we are ensuring that teachers are equipped to deliver marine literacy education as part of the primary curriculum," she further said.

The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by the Camden Education Trust and Galway Atlantaquaria. Outreach delivery is provided by a national network of partners: SeashoreKids, Oceanics Surf School, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Galway Atlantaquaria, Sea Synergy, Leave No Trace – Ireland, and The Sea Collective.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan,
Explorers Education Programme & Communications Manager 
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org 
Phone: 087 9185519  
Website: www.explorers.ie
 

View Report Highlights: Watch the Explorers 2025 Video Report on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1181090742?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

About the Marine Institute

The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and marine resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice, and services to government and industry. www.marine.ie.