To truly achieve ocean sustainability, we must identify the actions and pathways that can be taken to achieve future transformations that are equitable and fair - AND we must explore the relationships between the ocean and society we can and would like to have now and into the future. The concept of ocean literacy has been touted as a tool and pathway towards achieving society’s connection and stewardship of the ocean. But what is ocean literacy, exactly? And how can this concept achieve all it promises to do, i.e. in practice? This presentation will explore the concept of ocean literacy, its conception, evolution, and application in marine science and other related disciplines. I will discuss what it is (and what it isn’t), how we can measure it (and how we can’t), and highlight indicative potential (and limitations) for achieving ocean sustainability through ocean literacy from local to global scales – particularly in the context of the UN Ocean Decade.