Registration is open for the inaugural California Ocean Summit, Dec. 9-11 in Santa Barbara, which brings together leading ocean scientists, policymakers, investors and innovators, who will explore solutions, mobilize capital toward ocean impact, and build the cross-sector relationships needed to take action.
The Ocean Summit came into sharper focus at an invitation-only reception Aug. 22 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, where steering committee members, sponsors and community partners met to set the stage for the event.
California is home to world-class ocean research institutions, a thriving community of innovators, and some of the most forward-thinking environmental policymakers in the world, organizers said.
“As the challenges facing our ocean intensify, too few opportunities exist to bring these sectors together around a common vision,” they said.
The California Ocean Summit was created to bridge that gap, designed as a launchpad for bold ocean health solutions and a catalyst for progress across research, policy and innovation.
“California is uniquely connected to the ocean, both through our economy and our identity,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart, a member of the summit steering committee.
“Now is our moment to lead and demonstrate, both nationally and globally, what can happen when the people shaping our ocean’s future have the space to collaborate, accelerate action, and make meaningful commitments,” he said.
The summit is designed to move ocean leadership forward across interconnected outcomes, shaping California’s future ocean policy, investing in the next generation of ocean innovation, and advancing a shared Declaration for Ocean Stewardship, organizers said.
Programming will include working sessions, expert panels, and keynote addresses.
A Blue Innovation Showcase at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub will spotlight emerging ocean startups and technologies.
Public programming will be offered at the Santa Barbara Public Library, including film screenings, and author meet and greets.
On Dec. 11, attendees are invited on guided field excursions to Santa Cruz Island and conservation sites along the Central Coast.
Evening programming includes a screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough,” accompanied by the Santa Barbara Symphony performing the score live, presented in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures.
Keynote speaker Dawn Wright, chief scientist of Esri, will open the summit. Additional confirmed participants include:
Hart, Laura Francis of Sea Forward Fund, Tom Quigley of Superorganism, Peter Bryant of Builder’s Vision, Cat Burns of NatureVest at The Nature Conservancy, Matthew Stotts of Cerulean Ventures, Gracie White of Conservation International Ventures, and Robert Mazurek of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
“Researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers can drive tremendous impact, but to turn the tide on ocean health, everyone must see themselves as part of our ocean’s future,” said Francis, a founder of Sea Forward Fund and summit steering committee member.
“By weaving together art, storytelling, science, philanthropy, and policy, the Summit aims to create a sense of urgency grounded in hope and possibility, one that inspires action beyond California,” she said.
To participate in the California Ocean Summit, registration is required and limited tickets are available at calocean.org/register.
Film screenings, cultural experiences, and community events are free and open to all. Select events presented in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures — including “The Ocean with David Attenborough” screening require tickets purchased through the UCSB Arts & Lectures website.
The California Ocean Summit is supported by a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to advancing ocean stewardship across California and beyond. They include:
The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation and Sea Forward Fund serve as Ocean Visionary Presenting Philanthropic Partners.
The summit also received contributions from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Deckers Brands, Yardi, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), Patricia Bragg Foundation, MarBorg Industries, Santa Barbara Foundation, Port of Hueneme, Port of Long Beach, STAX Engineering, Bragg Foundation, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, and Peter Schuyler & Lisa Stratton.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities remain available. Organizations interested in supporting the California Ocean Summit are encouraged to visit calocean.org/sponsors, or contact info@calocean.org.
For sponsorship inquiries, email info@calocean.org.