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Teachers face significant workload pressures and are bound by standardized curricula. Therefore, ocean-related teaching materials should not be seen as additional content but as integrated replacements for existing lessons. Materials should clearly align with educational objectives and indicate which existing topics they substitute. This approach, like the one used by the European Blue Schools initiative, helps teachers meet curriculum requirements while making the content more relevant and engaging. It would be interesting to further explore how exactly material can be delivered or presented to teachers in an engaging way e.g. through a teaching material marked place where teachers can filter material through tags.

To amplify reach and impact, it is essential to identify and engage "accelerators": individuals or institutions that already have strong networks, like teachers, textbook writers, and education coordinators. Marine science workshops hosted by research institutes (for example, the one held by the NIOZ Department of Estuarine & Delta Systems in Yerseke in May 2025) are a good example of this in practice. These workshops are set to continue as part of the Delta Climate Center and offer a useful model for wider engagement.

Numerous ocean education and science communication projects have been developed over the years, yet they remain fragmented and often lack visibility. Reviewing and organizing these initiatives are recommended to avoid repeating work and make existing materials easier to access and use. Creating- or contributing to a shared, clearly labeled resource base would make it much simpler for educators to find what they need. That works both ways: for schools and teachers to find scientists, practicals and teaching materials and for scientists to get in contact with schools and networks.

Marine-focused theme days for teachers, particularly those teaching biology, geography, or related subjects, can be a practical way to introduce ocean topics into the classroom. These sessions can serve as accelerators, reaching many teachers at once. When the content is clearly connected to curriculum goals and presented in a way teachers can directly apply, the impact of these events can be significant. Encouraging more schools to join the European Blue School initiative is an effective means of embedding ocean themes into formal education. It is important to acknowledge overlaps with other certification models (e.g., technasium). Offering a European-level certification, accompanied by potential financial support, knowledge exchange, and cultural partnerships, could incentivize participation and enhance the visibility and sustainability of ocean literacy efforts.

Engaging policymakers through high-profile ambassadors and by showcasing the economic and ecological value of marine ecosystems. Policymakers are more likely to support ocean education when the benefits are clear and concrete. Showing marine ecosystems in terms of what they provide, like coastal protection, healthy fisheries, and carbon storage, can help make a strong case. While these ideas have come up in the context of the UN Ocean Decade, there's still a need for more follow-through. Highlighting these values in policy conversations can help build support and move things forward.