CHOW Plenary Deep Dive: Emerging Ocean Economies: Innovation Driving Conservation Outcomes
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the marine economy accounted for $432 billion of US GDP in 2021, with a 7.4% growth over 2020 that outpaced the national economy. This multi-billion-dollar marine recreation and coastal tourism sector is powered by millions of recreational and commercial anglers, boaters, businesses, technologists, and coastal communities whose operations, livelihoods, and ways of life depend on the wellbeing and accessibility of our ocean, rivers, and Great Lakes.
Increasingly, leaders in marine industries – including boat builders, engine manufacturers, and marine electronics companies – are increasingly collaborating with local communities to invest in technologies that support data-driven ocean management and conservation. These innovations range from real-time data collection systems to advanced tools designed to better protect marine life and public safety.
During Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2025, the “Emerging Ocean Economies: Innovation Driving Conservation Outcomes” plenary session will focus on how innovation across the private sector – informed by ocean user engagement – is driving improved outcomes for marine habitat, species and people.
Panelists will explore opportunities for public-private collaboration with government agencies and local stakeholders, emphasizing how these efforts generate tangible benefits; improved data quality, safer recreation on the water, smarter resource management, and a more sustainable marine economy.
Hosted by Yamaha and Viking Marine Group, this plenary brings together leaders reshaping the marine economy with inventive tools that protect our ocean and power local economies.
Dr. Holly Bamford (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) returns to CHOW to moderate, bringing decades of leadership connecting conservation outcomes with real-world solutions in government and philanthropy. Dr. Bamford will guide a discussion featuring Áine Denari (Navico Group and Brunswick), a champion for technologies that make navigation safer, cleaner, and more sustainable; Eliot Horowitz (Viam), founder of Viam and former CTO of MongoDB, who brings the power of AI and automation to the water; Dr. Taylor Shorpshire (Fathom Science) an expert in dynamic ocean forecasting and Joshua Grier from Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, a company on the forefront of responsible boating and marine stewardship through innovation.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 4th from 11:00 AM -12:15 PM EST and register to join the conversation during Capitol Hill Ocean Week.
