What does the ocean mean to you?
My Ocean is a dynamic, all-Ireland campaign that invites everyone living on or visiting the island of Ireland to explore and express their personal connection to the ocean. Whether it’s a place of work, recreation, memory, or inspiration – My Ocean is your platform to share what the ocean means to you.
About the Campaign
Running over three years, My Ocean is a grassroots initiative designed to raise ocean awareness and foster a deeper, more personal connection with Ireland’s surrounding seas. This campaign seeks to build a national tapestry of ocean stories told through:
- Personal essays and reflections (max 600-800 words)
- Poems (max 100-200 words)
- Visual artwork with interpretive text (as JPEG or PNG)
- Blogs suitable for the web (max 600-800 words)
- Audio or video submissions (max 5 mins)
Submissions will be shared through the Irish Ocean Literacy Network (IOLN) website and social media channels, creating a living digital archive of Ireland’s ocean voices.
Why It Matters
The ocean shapes Ireland’s identity, environment, economy, and communities. Yet many people still feel distant from it. My Ocean aims to bridge that gap by capturing a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives – from schoolchildren to seafarers, artists to scientists, locals to visitors.
By hearing how others connect with the sea, we can collectively grow our understanding of its value and the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Who We’re Talking To
This campaign is open to everyone, but we’re especially reaching out to:
- The general public
- People from coastal and island communities
- The scientific and conservation communities
- The fishing and maritime industries
- The Irish Naval Service, Air Corps, and shipping professionals
- Marine industry leaders
- Public sector actors and Politicians
- Celebrities and public personalities
- Schools and educators
- Artists and poets
- Older people with memories of our Ocean past.
- Tourists and coastal visitors, both domestic and international
Campaign Outputs
The heart of My Ocean will be an evolving online archive showcasing diverse personal contributions. As the campaign develops, additional outputs may include:
- Published books
- Art exhibitions and performances
- Social and traditional media features
- Community workshops and public engagement events
- TV, radio, and multimedia projects
- 3D VR dive experiences
What’s Happening Now
We’ve already collaborated, trialled, or are planning several exciting projects that are laying the foundation for My Ocean:
- Green Schools Ocean Creative Writing Competition
- SETU Ocean Art Project
- Sea Collective’s school pilot projects
- Vox pops at European Maritime Day 2025
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, scientist, sailor, or someone who simply loves the sound of the waves – My Ocean wants to hear your voice. Submit your story, poem, or artwork and become part of Ireland’s growing ocean community.
Share what the ocean means to you. Inspire others. Help shape a more ocean-literate Ireland.
🔗 Email your submission to irishoceanliteracy@gmail.com along with the consent form which can be found below
🔗 Post and tag us on Social Media and email your consent form to irishoceanliteracy@gmail.com