Throughout history, literature has focused on humankind’s complex relationship with the sea. Although culture, and literature in particular, has offered readers an opportunity to learn about and connect with the ocean realm when it comes to public engagement in marine planning, which is an opportunity to take part in the allocation of ocean resources, a majority of the public is often uninvolved and unconcerned. In this article, we reflect on portrayals of the sea in literary texts from three time periods: the mid‐19th century (pre‐World War I), the mid‐20th century (post‐World War II), and the 21st century (current times). We point out how ocean themes are of interest in parallel with important societal shifts, tensions, and “currents.” Further, we contend that these popular literary works, or those considered canonical, contribute to ocean literacy today, as they likely did around the time of their publication. In today’s world, exposure to literature that deals with the sea could lead to greater public engagement in ocean decision‐making. The ability to make decisions about ocean resources is particularly important for ecosystem‐based management, which is the basis for best practices in marine planning. As with many themes dealt with in many modes of culture (music, art, theatre, etc.), literary works can contribute to marine citizenship as manifested by greater public involvement in marine planning and (perhaps) greater protection of ocean resources.