Strategic communications for ocean science, sustainability, and innovation
Your ocean work matters. But does it reach the people who need to understand and use it?
Too much important ocean science, policy, and innovation never reaches the people who need it most. Instead, it is lost in jargon, buried in reports, or shared without strategy.
Ocean Oculus is an ocean communications consultancy helping research projects, scientific organisations, nonprofits, initiatives, and innovation companies communicate complex work clearly, accurately, and with purpose.
Founded by Dr Sam Andrews, Ocean Oculus combines a background in marine science with more than a decade of experience across research, journalism, and strategic communication. We help turn complex evidence, ideas, and technical information into communication that reaches the right people and supports meaningful action.
Find your starting point
Choose the description that best matches your work and explore the ocean communication support most relevant to you.
-
Your work generates evidence that matters. We help you make sure it reaches the people who need it.
Whether you need a communication strategy for a multi-partner project, plain language summaries of complex findings, or training to help your team communicate more confidently, we can help.
Not sure what you need or looking for something else? Get in touch to discuss your ocean communication project -
You know your mission. The challenge is making sure the right people know it too.
We help ocean-focused organisations tell their story clearly, build visibility, and communicate their impact, whether that's to supporters, partners, policymakers, or the wider public.
Not sure what you need? Get in touch to discuss your ocean communication project -
Your science and technology may be complex. Explaining its value should not be.
We help marine technology, ocean-observation, data, and innovation companies communicate what they do, why it matters, and how it can be used. From technical case studies and thought leadership to website content and communication strategy, we turn specialist knowledge into clear, credible communication for the audiences that matter.
Not sure what you need or looking for something else? Get in touch to discuss your ocean communication project
-
We work with a wide range of ocean-focused organisations, projects, and individuals. If your work touches the ocean, get in touch, and we'll start a conversation.
Looking for something specific?
We offer communication and content strategies; summaries, briefings, and explainers; written and visual content; website and online presence support; event communications support; and training and capacity-building workshops.
Looking for something else?
Selected Work
From research programmes to training workshops, a selection of projects and work spanning ocean science, policy, innovation, and engagement.
EU4OceanObs
A Horizon Europe project coordinating European ocean observing activities in support of ocean health, biodiversity, climate, and the blue economy. Providing communications support to help a complex, multi-partner initiative share its work clearly across scientific, policy, and ocean community audiences.
FloodMind
Communications workpackage lead for a UK research initiative exploring the mental health impacts of groundwater flooding, translating complex evidence for policy, funding, and community audiences.
Seabed 2030
Long-term communications support for one of the ocean world's most ambitious mapping initiatives, creating content that connects cutting-edge science with the people who need to understand and act on it.
Workshop: The Art of Science Communication
Introducing graduate researchers to arts-based approaches to science communication in a half-day workshop with hands-on and exploratory components.
From the Communication Brief
Thoughts, research, and perspectives on communications for the ocean world.
Discover why marine research projects need brand guidelines and how style and visual identity guides support consistency, clarity, and trust.
Should scientists advocate for policy change? Explore the boundary between evidence, values, credibility, and policy engagement.
A well-written press release gives journalists what they need to decide whether to cover your research. Here's how to structure one, target the right outlets, and avoid the most common mistakes.
Who actually influences ocean policy? Explore the role of intermediaries, advisors, and trusted messengers in science-policy communication.
A journalist wants to interview you about your marine science. Here's how to prepare and what to expect during the interview.
Most journalists won't share their story with you before publication. Here's why, and what you can do to protect the accuracy of your work without seeing the draft.
Ocean science often claims policy relevance without being specific. How researchers can make findings genuinely useful for policymakers and managers?
Starting your research communication plan with a list of deliverables is understandable, but it's usually the wrong approach. Here's a better way to think about it.
A journalist has made contact about your ocean research. Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after the interview.
Ocean data is more abundant than ever. But data alone doesn't communicate. Here's how to make complex ocean data accessible, accurate, and useful for non-specialist audiences.
A plain language summary can extend the reach of your research to the people who most need it. Here's what a plain language summary is and how you can write one well.
A communications work package is more than blog posts and newsletters. Here's what one actually involves, when your project needs one, and what to do if it doesn't.
Not sure if your ocean research will attract media interest? Here's how journalists and editors assess newsworthiness, and how to apply that thinking to your work.
Ocean research rarely influences policy on its own. Here's how to frame your findings, choose the right format, and reach decision-makers at the moment it matters.
Not every communications consultant understands ocean science, policy, or the culture of the ocean world. Here's what to look for – and what to ask – before you hire.
Most research communication plans start with a list of deliverables. Here's why that's the wrong starting point, and how to build a strategy that actually serves your research goals.
Policy briefs can help your science reach decision-makers - but only if they are targeted to the right audience.
Science communication and dissemination are not the same thing, but they're often treated as if they are. Here's why the distinction matters for ocean researchers
What chronological rather than algorithm-driven social media feeds means for ocean communication.
Two new reports reveal how social media is shifting for marine researchers. What does that mean for marine science communication?
Can generative AI models like ChatGPT write research summaries that laypeople, aka people without specialised research knowledge, can understand?
Should ocean researchers and organisations stay on X, or is it time to move on? A practical look at the question everyone in ocean science communication is asking.
A team at the University of Edinburgh has developed 400 environmental science signs for British Sign Language — a win for inclusive science communication.
Pint of Science, Science Cafe, Science on Tap…do pub-based science communication events actually work? Research suggests attendees are learning quite a bit.
Can scientists express their genuine fears and emotions about the climate crisis, the decline and destruction of nature, and the impacts on people and still be seen as credible, objective experts?
A round-up of science communication highlights from IMCC7 (the International Marine Conservation Congress) held in South Africa in October 2024
When public trust in science is low and misinformation is rife, how can ocean communicators help people find common ground on environmental protection?
Ocean observations are vital for understanding our ocean and keeping people safe. But there are gaps in the European ocean observing community. Communication is one of them
The closure of Hakai Magazine raises important questions about the sustainability of science journalism and what it means for science communication.
Can climate and ocean scientists become advocates without compromising their credibility? A look at the ongoing debate around scientists and activism.
From the Ocean Brief
Short ocean stories and insights covering science, policy, innovation, and the ocean community
International experts, researchers and EU Commission policymakers gathered for the UNESCO Integrated Ocean Carbon Research (IOC-R) workshop in Brussels, Belgium, to drive forward integrated ocean carbon research that underpins effective decision-making and climate action.
One of the newest and fastest submarine rescue vehicles (SRVs), capable of carrying up to 17 people, has been deployed in the Western Pacific.
Part of Phase II of the GMES & Africa programme, the MarCOSIO Consortium leverages satellite data to provide decision support tools for marine and coastal management. One key service they offer focuses on detecting and monitoring algal blooms, enabling aquaculturalists to make informed decisions about the running of their operations.
To tackle the growing problem of Sargassum, GEO Blue Planet’s Sargassum Information Hub is bringing Sargassum-impacted communities together to share data, research, and knowledge, and ultimately find workable solutions to the challenges posed by the proliferation of Sargassum mats.
When the side-scan sonar first picked up unexpected mound features in the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, which runs along the west coast of Canada, nobody expected them to be ancient yet living glass sponge reefs, especially since reef-building glass sponges were thought to have gone extinct during the Cretaceous period.
Where should marine protected areas be created in the high seas so they are most effective? To answer this question, we need seabed mapping.
The JOIDES Resolution has been a stalwart in the earth and ocean science community since 1984. Her retirement is now set for 2024, four years earlier than initially expected.
By harnessing the power of data and cutting-edge technology, the European Digital Twin of the Ocean aims to revolutionise ocean research, support policy and other stakeholders, and make ocean knowledge more open and impactful than ever before.
By enhancing international collaboration and coordination and providing advice and recommendations to the G7, the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Initiative is supporting actions to strengthen and sustain ocean observations for a more sustainable ocean future.
As if this little critter wasn’t cute enough, bobtail squids are also known as dumpling squids or stubby squids (awe). Here are three things you possibly didn’t know about this tiny squid.
Dr Philomène Verlaan is an oceanographer researching deep sea mineral formation and a lawyer specialising in law of the sea. She shares some of her experiences on board research vessels.
Sitting at the forefront of climate change impacts, developing coastal resilience and adaptation plans is essential for small island nations. Good plans need good data, which is why the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is working with small island stakeholders to harness Earth Observations for early warning systems, monitoring systems, and more.
The marine pollution problem may have only started in the 1950s, but it is already impacting every part of our ocean. Now, by harmonising data, standardising monitoring methods, leveraging technology, and harnessing the power of a global community, the Integrated Marine Debris Observing System (IMDOS) aims to support and strengthen marine debris research and inform action to tackle this growing global problem.
With marine life playing such a pivotal role in ocean health and providing a host of benefits for the planet, data on life below the surface can help drive informed decision-making. Across the European Union (EU), research infrastructure, large-scale research projects, and intergovernmental initiatives are harnessing marine life observations for a healthier ocean future.
Seafarer supply is lagging behind demand, putting workers and vessels at risk. Changing aspirations are making recruitment harder than ever – but upskilling and career progression could offer one solution.
In New South Wales, Australia, research has turned into action to reduce the damage caused by anchoring.
Portugal's SEAMAP 2030 programme is on an unprecedented mission to meticulously chart the country's maritime depths.
Coastal erosion is reshaping our world, threatening homes, industries and culturally important places. By taking advantage of the unique conditions in the Dead Sea and leveraging modern ADCP technology, scientists in Israel are exploring how wind-driven waves and currents shape the coastlines and transport sediments along shores.
Seafarer mental health is under intense strain. The Covid-19 pandemic and onboard conditions have caused immense stress and other issues for workers. What can be done to help?
At the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, Dónal Burke presented research demonstrating that enclosed spaces on ships can be more deadly than previously thought.
Taxonomist Keider Neves shares his experiences of going deeper to see a world that few have ever seen and make new discoveries
At the IMO Intersessional Working Group on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), Gordon Meadow and Ross Macfarlane of MASSPeople proposed new competency standards.
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) President Martin Shaw reflects on the papers submitted to the ninth session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers.
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Fellow, chartered engineer, and IMarEST’s delegate on Fuels and Exhaust Emissions, Andy Wright, talks us through IMarEST’s role at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Héctor Toledo-Padilla explains how Ocean Census is providing crucial deep-sea data to support protection of this critically endangered species.
Lloyd’s Register’s Chief Operations Officer Mark Darley shares his perspectives on the maritime industry
Since introducing the EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2005, the EU say the scheme has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power and industry plants by 27%. With large ships (gross tonnage of 5,000 and higher) now in the scheme, the EU hopes to see similar success in the shipping industry.
The ocean is taking up ever-increasing levels of carbon dioxide and the resulting ocean acidification seriously threatens ocean health. Back to Blue, an initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, calls for governments to implement action plans.
Neil Salter, chair of IMarEST’s Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Special Interest Group and Ross Macfarlane from MASSPeople reflect on unresolved questions surrounding accountability in incidents involving autonomous vessels.
Need support with your ocean communications?