For this module, we will highlight the cognitive learning objectives that help us better understand
basic marine ecology, ecosystems, the connection of humanity to the sea and the life it holds, including the sea’s role as a food provider as well as jobs and economic opportunities, and the ocean’s role in moderating our climate. Furthermore, we will also explore the adverse impact humanity has on the ocean resulting in the loss of biodiversity, charismatic fauna and overall biomass, as well as increased acidification and pollution. By the end of the Blue Forests Learning course, students should have a more robust understanding of what it means to be ocean literate, and how the principles of OL can influence groups that engage in unsustainable practices that negatively affect the ocean. In this way, the learner understands their agency to make decisions that support a healthy ocean and is empowered to advocate for the protection and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.