BioProtect Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Una Lilja Erludóttir has shared exciting preliminary findings from her master’s thesis on Ocean Literacy in Iceland at the 2026 UArctic Congress in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Her work shines a light on how better understanding teachers’ perspectives can help connect Icelandic youth more deeply with the ocean and inspire long-term stewardship and conservation.
Conducted at the University Centre of the Westfjords, Una’s research explores how Ocean Literacy is understood and implemented in Icelandic schools, and what tools educators need to bring the ocean into the classroom more effectively. A key element of her project is a nation-wide survey of teachers, gathering their experiences, needs, and opinions on how to integrate ocean topics into everyday teaching.
Una collaborates closely with BioProtect on science communication and our Blue School connections, turning her research into hands-on learning opportunities for children. In primary schools across the Westfjords, she introduces BioProtect themes such as marine protected areas and invasive species through creative, age-appropriate ocean literacy activities that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and care for the marine environment.
In Tórshavn, Una presented alongside her thesis advisor, Catherine Chambers, and BioProtect case study leader, Steinunn Ólafsdóttir, underlining the strong link between academic research and real-world marine protection efforts. Their joint presence at the UArctic Congress highlights how BioProtect supports early career researchers and educators who are shaping the next generation of ocean stewards.
