People Ocean Planet

People Ocean Planet (POP) recognises the human dimensions of the key challenges AND solutions for the ocean environment. POP seeks to merge marine science and its communication with insights from the social sciences, particularly behavioural psychology and sociology to bridge gaps from knowledge to optimism, and from good intentions into real-world action. Our priority ocean issues are: climate change, sustainable seafood, pollution from land and deep-sea mining. The project’s core mission is to drive lasting behavioural change to reduce society’s impact on our oceans. Delivering Ocean Literacy is a fundamental component of this.Scientific credibility is at the heart of POP’s purpose, and we recognise that tackling patterns of consumption and waste require behavioural change throughout society. The target audience will grow in impact as the project becomes more established, including education and other youth engagements, communities, organisations and businesses, and overall society. We hope to expand to an international remit. This works on our framework to “motivate individuals, ease the change and socialise the change”. Soft-launched in June 2020, POP is spear-headed by MASTS and the University of St Andrews, with support from Nature Scot, The University of Edinburgh, St Abbs Marine Station and the Behavioural Insights Team. The project received kick-starter funding from Vodafone UK Ltd. POP has no geographic boundaries and we hope to expand to an international remit.