Join the Ocean Science Cocktail Party
In the age of global, digital communication, the tools we use to educate ourselves and spread ideas with others have become increasingly important. Social media has grown rapidly as a platform to connect with individuals, organizations and movements, now more popular than newspaper publications for relevant news. Playing an essential role in our media diet, it’s important that credible organizations use social media as a tool for sharing fact-based content.
Of the many platforms literally at our fingertips, Twitter delivers concise and informative tidbits, making it the tool of choice for many. The platform can be compared to a cocktail party – there are many conversations happening around the room, and your aim is to make sure that you’re a part of one that matches your interests and passions. Top research institutions, impactful non-profits, environmental advocacy groups and other reputable, science-based organizations have all joined the Twitter cocktail party, making it a rich and engaging community, especially for the field of ocean science. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten credible, insightful and engaging ocean organizations to follow on Twitter to ensure you’re up-to-date on the wonderful and fascinating happenings of our blue planet.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is Twitter royalty. Featuring ocean science that’s easy to understand, otter-ly adorable sea creatures, and puns for days, Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-follow on Twitter.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography is doing some fantastic research in ocean and atmospheric science. For staying up to date on the latest in breaking research, SIO’s Twitter account has you covered.
Ocean Conservancy
From joyful sea life content to important policy updates, the Ocean Conservancy Twitter feed will keep you informed and include some fun animal facts along the way!
Polar Bears International
When it comes to sea ice and the Arctic, Polar Bears International shares some very real stories of how climate change is impacting the planet. Come for the vast amounts of Arctic information; stay for the polar bear facts.
MBARI
Over half of our planet is covered by water that’s at least 5,000 feet deep. The deep sea is one of the least explored ecosystems on our planet, and we’re learning more about it every day. Forget traveling to Mars or Venus – the deep sea holds vibrant ocean wildlife that seems out of this world. MBARI sheds light on these mind-blowing habitats. The more we know, the better we’re able to protect them.
NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration & Research
Ready for an adventure without leaving your house? The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Twitter feed is full of stunning images of colorful deep-sea reefs, surreal wildlife like the dumbo octopus, and breathtaking jellies. The content will keep you amazed!
Mission Blue
Founded in 2009 by Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is working to protect the ocean by supporting the creation of a network of marine protected areas. These ‘Hope Spots’ are established by working with local communities across the globe to highlight areas in the ocean that are vital to the health of the ocean and are currently protected or need protection.
Oceanic Society
Established in 1959, Oceanic Society is the oldest marine conservation non-profit. Oceanic Society connects individuals to the ocean through a number of ways, including travel, whale watching, and the State of the World’s Sea Turtles program, and in doing so, hope to encourage pro-ocean behavior choices.
Hakai Magazine
Hakai Magazine’s Twitter feed, in conjunction with Hakai Institute, is one that makes users stop and think, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” They dive into interesting ocean wildlife facts, histories, and cultures surrounding the marine environment.
Pew Environment
Pew Environment dives into the intersection of policy and environment. In addition to terrestrial protections, the Pew Environment Twitter feed includes a substantial amount of information on policy for ocean protection.
Honorable Mention: EDF Oceans
Since we can’t help ourselves, we’ve nominated another incredible organization. Dedicated to topics surrounded sustainable fisheries and food security, EDF Oceans highlights practices in sustainable fisheries management and its crossroads with climate resiliency and nutrition.
Doing More Than Following Along
Be sure to follow each of the mentioned brands to learn interesting facts, history and happenings in ocean health and ocean science. If these posts excite you, you don’t have to stop there!
- Share your favorite posts with others in your circles to spread awareness about ocean health.
- Sign up for the newsletters of your favorite ocean science brands to continue your ocean science journey.
- Donate to your favorite ocean science organizations for added support
- Volunteer for ocean or environmental organizations close to you and join a like-minded community!