The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the Ocean Decade, presents a transformative opportunity to reimagine how communities, cultures, and economies connect with the Ocean. Building on the foundational work established in Volume I, this introductory chapter to Volume II of the three-volume series, Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, endorsed by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as an official Ocean Decade Activity, focuses on the role of community involvement, cultural expression, and the sustainable Blue Economy in strengthening Ocean Literacy. Volume II highlights the intersection of art, identity, equity, and locally driven innovation, showcasing diverse contributions from around the world that demonstrate how Ocean Literacy can take root in lived experiences and creative practices. This chapter explores the power of storytelling, youth empowerment, transdisciplinary collaboration, and place-based knowledge in fostering inclusive relationships with the Ocean. By surfacing multiple ways of knowing and advancing shared responsibility, Volume II illustrates how Ocean Literacy extends beyond education to become a dynamic societal practice, supporting more participatory, just, and sustainable relationships with the Ocean, and contributing directly to the goals of the Ocean Decade.