Ocean Forum
The Sea Connects All Things
A forum is a place of assembly for the discussion of questions of public interest. The World Ocean Observatory is such a place for the ocean, a site on the worldwide web wherein citizens everywhere can engage in the exchange of information, educational service, comment and contribution through a variety of formats and media.
The World Ocean Forum is designed facilitate connection. It is a means to communicate individually and collectively about the ocean defined as "an interactive, global, social system." Its goal is to provide responsible, apolitical science, to enable a worldwide dialogue, and to build alliances that will result in a vast global constituency for the sustainable ocean. All W2O programs are supported centrally by our donors and are available to our users at no cost.
The World Ocean Forum has many shapes and dynamic links:
A digest of ocean news gathered daily from over 250 international news sources, posted chronolgically and then distributed bi-monthly, reorganized by theme, to W2O Subscribers. To subscribe, click here. A monthly letter on key ocean topics, ranging from Ocean Zoning to Cities & Oceans. A series of on-line, inter-active "events" assembled by the Editors to include the best primary and secondary information on any given ocean subject for focused presentation to individuals and institutions desiring access to reseachers, experts in the field, publications, and related data sources, publications, and on-line resources. Events can be accessed by individuals, by teachers for classroom use, by policy-makers and others seeking a comprehensive digest, and by any and all organizations worldwide with an interest in ocean education. A catalogue of ocean interviews, comments, and weekly ocean news digest in audio format for on-line listening, pod-casting, and distribution to community radio stations and other outlets worldwide. A review of materials relating the important and often mis-understood synergy between a healthy ocean and human well-being and survival. On-line presentations on such topics as the history of oceanography or arctic exploration that can be viewed on-line or down-loaded in formats compatible with simple classroom use or major installation in a museum, aquarium, library, or school. Exhibits are curated by museum professionals and reviewed by appropriate advisors. A "library" of titles considered by W2O Editors and Subscribers to be informational and inspirational for all readers interested in the ocean. The list is by no means complete and suggestions for additions are welcome. Media projects of ocean interest, from major television series to student-generated films.
