Since its inaugural event in Porto in 2014, the CommOCEAN conference has grown into a pivotal platform for ocean science communicators to meet and exchange best practices, and this year’s milestone gathering in Málaga further solidified its role. The conference welcomed 135 marine scientists and communication professionals to explore innovative ways of engaging diverse audiences with ocean science. Held at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), the event kicked off with a memorable icebreaking event aboard the RV Odón de Buen, the institute’s newest research vessel.
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks by Tymon Zielinski, Chair of the European Marine Board Communication Panel, followed by a series of compelling sessions. Among the standout presentations was that of Eugenio Fraile Nuez from IEO-CSIC, who shared practical strategies for science communication during natural disasters. His insights highlighted the importance of clarity, honesty, and leadership in conveying scientific knowledge, even in uncertain circumstances.
A particularly inspiring session focused on “Sound and Vision,” where diverse creative approaches to communicating marine science were showcased. From collaborations with artists to integrating music, dance, and storytelling into public engagement with podcasts and interactive maps, the session highlighted how creativity can make science more accessible and impactful.
Lisa Picatto, JPI Oceans Communication Officer, presented the “Seas and Oceans” exhibition, a collaboration with the Talk C.E.C. gallery that used art to bridge the gap between marine science and public engagement. This exhibition, held in Brussels, brought the ocean to life through immersive artistic representations, drawing on visual narratives to communicate the urgency of ocean conservation. Designed as a “mental palace,” the exhibit combined scientific expertise with emotionally resonant artistic pieces to engage audiences on a personal level. JPI Oceans provided the scientific foundation by contributing as an official partner with advice, explanatory texts, and guest speakers to share insights on key marine topics. The inclusion of art alongside scientifically sound information proved to be a powerful tool for raising awareness, highlighting the importance of blending disciplines for greater impact.
Participants benefited from the tips by Joanne Sweeney, CEO, Digital Training Institute, on succeeding with social media despite declining reach. Her actionable checklist, supported by case studies, provided attendees with valuable tools to improve their digital communication efforts.
The conference also included interactive workshops on creating engaging scripts for animations, effective citizen science, and communicating scientific fieldwork. These sessions offered participants hands-on experience and practical guidance, ensuring they were left with skills to enhance their outreach initiatives. The one-minute pitch presentations were particularly clever, ranging from the SBEP project SEAFOODTURE to ocean literacy for surfers, as well as the Ocean Tracking Network's communication efforts through their IPAs.
CommOCEAN 2024 demonstrated how essential it is to connect the dots between ocean science, communication, and the public. As the challenges of climate change and ocean conservation grow more complex, the need for effective communication has never been greater. Rather than scaling back on these efforts, it is imperative to enhance and prioritise communication, recognising it as the vital bridge that links science with broader audiences.
At the heart of CommOCEAN 2024 was the belief that communication is key—whether it’s through scientific data displayed in engaging visuals, storytelling pieces of news or crisis management. The next edition will be at the University of Bergen in September 2026 and we look forward to reuniting again and showcasing how we have advanced in these two years. See you there!
At the heart of CommOCEAN 2024 was the belief that communication is key—whether it’s through scientific data displayed in engaging visuals, storytelling pieces of news or clear crisis messaging. The next edition will be at the University of Bergen in September 2026 and we look forward to reuniting again there and showcasing how we have advanced in these two years. See you there!