The Australian National Maritime Museum committed to a ten-year Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 program as a framework for storytelling and engagement. This paper explores the role museums play in increasing Australia’s ocean literacy and provides a ‘sense check’ on our progress midway through the Decade.
Launched in 2021, the exhibitions One Ocean, Our Future and Ocean Futures provided baseline knowledge on ‘the ocean right now’. In 2022-2023, Mäna and Bäru raised awareness of Sea Country, and two-way knowledge exhibition Bidhiinja: Restoring Our Reefs connected with regional communities. In 2024-2025, Ocean Photographer of the Year included a ‘Call to Action’ and we explored the five zones of the ocean in Ultimate Depth.
We offer hands-on and online learning programs for schools and families and partner with start-ups, universities, communities, and agencies on events and activations. We acquire significant objects for the collection and feature content online. Programs are designed to capture the interest of the informed as well as new learners.
The museum connects the public with the past, present and future of the ocean and inland waterways. Our Ocean Decade program is designed to add knowledge, seek cohesion and promote a sustainable ocean future.