Communicating ocean science has become increasingly important in addressing global environmental challenges. However, conventional science communication often focuses on knowledge transmission while paying less attention to the emotional, social, and experiential dimensions that foster long-term engagement and stewardship. Many learners may understand marine issues without developing a lasting sense of connection, responsibility, or agency toward the ocean.

This presentation proposes that the ocean should be viewed not only as an object of scientific inquiry but also as a powerful educational environment for cultivating competencies needed in an uncertain world. The ocean is dynamic, interconnected, and unpredictable; engaging with it requires curiosity, collaboration, adaptability, courage, and resilience—qualities essential for young people navigating contemporary society. Experiential marine education provides a pathway to connect ocean science communication with whole-person development.

Drawing on the practices of Beni-Ocean, a marine experiential education organization based in Shenzhen, China, this presentation introduces an educational framework designed to foster “Ocean Stewards.” Moving beyond knowledge-based ocean literacy, the framework integrates four dimensions: marine science, marine skills including ocean sports and safety skills, marine culture, and hands-on conservation practices. Through these experiences, learners develop interconnected competencies including ocean literacy, emotional connection with the ocean, maritime capability, ocean-oriented mindset, and pro-ocean stewardship actions.

The pedagogical design is grounded in learner-centered approaches, including Experiential Learning, Cornell’s Flow Learning approach, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Instead of positioning learners as passive recipients of scientific information, these approaches encourage participants to construct understanding through direct experience, reflection, meaningful interactions with the ocean, and engagement in real-world contexts. Scientific concepts are embedded within authentic experiences, enabling learners to connect ecological knowledge with personal values and meaningful environmental action.

This presentation reflects on how experiential marine education can expand science communication beyond information dissemination toward identity formation and long-term stewardship. It will discuss practical strategies, successful practices, and ongoing challenges encountered when translating marine science into engaging educational experiences for children and adolescents in China. By sharing this practice-based framework, we hope to contribute to broader discussions on how science communication can foster not only greater public understanding of the ocean but also deeper emotional connections, personal responsibility, and sustained collective action for marine conservation.