About Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2021

Blue Introspection: Examining Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Ocean and Great Lakes Policy, Science, and Conservation

Sponsored by: COMPASS How would marine and freshwater science, management and policy change if our workplaces reflected the racial and ethnic diversity of our nation? This plenary will examine the commitment to JEDI efforts within federal, research, and nongovernmental institutions and agencies and strategies that will be necessary to accelerate the hiring of Black, Indigenous and People of Color, as well as other historically excluded communities within the fields of science, policy and conservation. Opening Remarks

• The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives, TX-30 and Chairwoman, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee 

• Whitney Tome, Principal, The Raben Group  

• Andrés Jimenez, Executive Director, Green 2.0 
• Quentin Tyler Ph.D., Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Michigan State University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Jalonne L. White-Newsome, Ph.D., CEO and Founder, Empowering A Green Environment and Economy, LLC
• Francisco “Paco” Ollervides, Executive Director, Green Leadership Trust
• Leonard Pace, Science Program Senior Manager, Schmidt Ocean Institute 
• Chanté Coleman, Vice President of Equity and Justice, National Wildlife Federation

60 min

[Partner Breakout] Building Resilience with Community-Led Ocean Science and Conservation

Hosted by Schmidt Ocean Institute, 11th Hour Racing, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners Ocean science, technology, and conservation are coming together to be practiced at a community level that broadens inclusion and participation. Highlighting recipients of Schmidt philanthropy, this panel will share three U.S. based examples of science, business, and technology practitioners conducting Ocean work that incorporates local knowledge and community advocacy. Discussion around deep-sea research and protection in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (Kiribati/Boston); the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust (Puerto Rico); and Marauder Robotics (Atlanta/California) will provide examples of how ocean conservation can be strengthened by local partnerships, particularly in regions that have traditionally held a smaller platform to share valuable knowledge and expertise. Speakers:

• Melvin Alvarez, Grant Program Associate, 11th Hour Racing (moderator)
• Dr. Randi Rotjan, Research Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston University and Co-Chief Scientist, Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) Conservation Trust
• Dr. Dennis Yancy, Co-Founder and CEO, Marauder Robotics
• Mark Martin, Director of Community Affairs and Field Research, The Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] Leveraging Innovative Technologies to Combat IUU Fishing and Human Trafficking

Hosted by Hawkeye 360 Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global threat eroding sustainable fisheries and healthy ocean ecosystems. It also perpetuates egregious human rights abuses through human trafficking, forced labor, and hazardous work conditions. Combatting IUU fishing is a difficult task due to the remote maritime regions where it occurs. Difficulty in identifying and tracking vessels engaged in illicit fishing activities further complicates direct enforcement actions and effective policies to prevent and deter these activities from continuing. Innovative commercial technologies may offer potent tools to government agencies such as NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to overcome these barriers to effective enforcement and deterrence. This panel will discuss some of the commercial technologies currently being evaluated and used by federal agencies to crack down on IUU fishing and its associated human rights abuses. Panel members will also discuss the potential for expanded public-private partnerships to leverage commercial capabilities in the fight against forced labor and human trafficking on IUU vessels. Speakers:

• Sally Yozell, Senior Fellow and Director, Environmental Security program, Stimson Center (moderator)
• John Serafini, CEO, HawkEye 360
• Erik Friesen, Solutions Engineer, Planet
• Johan Bergenas, Senior Vice President for Oceans, World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF-US)
• James Chang, Senior Oceans and Environment Policy Adviser, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] Engaging All Audiences and Communities for Ocean Conservation

Hosted by NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) works to engage, inspire, and connect people with national marine sanctuaries and spark wonder in visitors young and old. In 2019, ONMS worked with more than 68,895 students and 6,141 educators. But who are we reaching and who are we missing? In this panel, we will consider some recent efforts to increase visitation and access for underrepresented peoples at the most recently designated sanctuary, Mallows-Bay Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. In addition, we will consider how to expand access across the system, what barriers lie in the way, and specific ideas for ensuring more inclusive access for underrepresented communities.  Speakers:

• Chris Mobley, Superintendent, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (moderator)
• Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director and Founder, MERITO Foundation Inc.
• Betsy López-Wagner, Principal, Chief Strategist, López-Wagner Strategies
• ‘Olu Campbell, Community and Government Relations Manager, Kamehameha Schools
• Paul Orlando, Superintendent, Mallows Bay/Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] De Wata da We: Sacredness and Accessibility of the Ocean to the Gullah/Geechee

Hosted by the Gullah/Geechee Nation
Registration Link "De Wata da We" will be an interactive cultural circle of connection led by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation as she engages with leaders of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and members of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition to discuss how the ocean is a sacred element to native Gullah/Geechees.  Ocean access is critical to the sustainability of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Yeddi how we da hol pun disya and pun who webe. Panelists: 

• Queen Quet, Chieftess and Head-of-State, Gullah/Geechee Nation 
• Elder Carlie Towne, Minister of Information,  Gullah/Geechee Nation
• Representative Glenda Simmons-Jenkins, Gullah/Geechee Nation

45 mins

Eye on the Horizon: Culture and Protected Waters

Protected areas need to represent the full breadth of experiences of people living in the United States and honor co-design and co-management with Indigenous and local communities. This session will highlight efforts to make our National Marine Sanctuary System and marine monuments more inclusive of all people. Opening Remarks

• The Honorable Salud Carbajal, U.S. House of Representatives, CA-24 
• The Honorable Kaiali'i Kahele, U.S. House of Representatives, HI-02 

• Kris Sarri, President and CEO, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 

• Keola Lindsay, Hawai`i Island Trustee, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Janine Ledford, Executive Director and Makah Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Makah Cultural and Research Center
• Violet Sage Walker, Vice Chairwoman, Northern Chumash Tribal Council
• Justin Dunnavant, Ph.D., President, Society of Black Archaeologists

60 min

Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Wisdom for Strengthening Conservation

Sponsored by: The Marine Mammal Commission Indigenous knowledge and wisdom strengthens our understanding of the planet and improves decision-making. National and global discussions often fail to consider this knowledge and wisdom. Indigenous and traditional communities need allies and funders who support their efforts to develop their own organized systems that increase their presence while developing the capacity to respond to the needs of Western science. The panel will highlight examples of how communities and scientists use indigenous and local knowledge and wisdom to address ocean and Great Lakes health and climate impacts. Opening Remarks

• Peter Thomas, Executive Director, Marine Mammal Commission
• The Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senate, Alaska and Co-Chair, Senate Oceans Caucus

• Kyle Whyte, Ph.D., George Willis Pack Professor, University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability

• Ilarion ‘Kuuyux’ Merculieff, Founder and President, Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways
• Shavonne F. Smith,  Environmental Director, Shinnecock Indian Nation
• Dr. Ayana Omilade Flewellen, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Riverside and Board Member, Diving with a Purpose
• Allison Smart, M.S., Environmental Division Manager, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Natural Resources Department

60 min

Exploring the Intersection of International Policy and Communities

Climate change and sustainable development are a common concern to humankind. The Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Convention on Biological Diversity recognize that the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities should be respected, promoted and considered in policy agreements. This plenary will focus on how these international mandates and discussions provide a key platform for building access and power into policy-making. Moderator

• Nathan J. Bennett, Ph.D., Principle Investigator, The Peopled Seas Initiative & Chair, People and the Ocean Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature

• Queen Quet, Chieftess and Head-of-State, Gullah/Geechee Nation
• Sophia Kianni, Founder, Climate Cardinals
• Nisreen Elsaim, Chair, United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
• Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Chairwoman, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head/Aquinnah

60 min

[Partner Breakout] Community Discussion on Building Diversity in the UN Decade of Ocean Science

Hosted by NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine This breakout session will focus on diversity and inclusion in the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (Decade), a unique, 10 year opportunity for nations to work together to generate the global ocean science needed to support the sustainable development of our shared ocean. During the first half of the session, three panelists will speak on topics such as intergenerational diversity, traditional ecological knowledge, the intersection of environmental and social justice, and gender inclusivity and the importance of these initiatives in the Decade. The second half of the session will foster discussion among the panelists and audience about what a diverse and equitable Decade looks like as we move forward with the implementation of the Decade through 2030 and beyond. Speakers: 

• Taylor Goelz, Program Manager, Aspen Institute and Host, Ocean Decade Show on American Shoreline Podcast Network (moderator)
• Anjali Boyd, Early Career member of the US Decade National Committee, Member of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), Director of iNviTECH
• Austin Shelton, Director of the Center for Island Sustainability and Guam Sea Grant
• Catalina Martinez, Regional Program Manager, NOAA Ocean Exploration
• Dr. Wendy Smythe, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Duluth

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] DEIJ Reflections and Resolutions

Hosted by Women’s Aquatic Network and Sea Grant The culmination of 2021 CHOW presents us with a great opportunity to reflect on its theme, what we learned from it, and how we build a more racially equitable and just movement for ocean and Great Lakes conservation. Sea Grant and the Women’s Aquatic Network invite you to a moderated session highlighting key takeaways and actions for advancing JEDI in coastal, ocean, and marine science fields. Speakers: 

• Mona Behl, Associate Director, Georgia Sea Grant
• Jane Harrison, Coastal Economics Specialist, North Carolina Sea Grant
• Abigail Hils, Executive Board Member, Women's Aquatic Network and Inclusive STEM Ecosystems for Equity and Diversity Program Associate, American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Susan White, President, Sea Grant Association and Director, North Carolina Sea Grant
• Lisa Wu, Executive Board Member, Women's Aquatic Network 

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] Heartwired to Love the Ocean: Heartwired in Practice Stories

Hosted by Wonder: Strategies for Good and Goodwin Simon Strategic Research Extensive research has shown that people from diverse racial, ethnic, socio- economic, political, and faith backgrounds don’t simply care for the ocean — they are Heartwired to Love the Ocean. In this session, we share two Heartwired in Practice stories from non-profit organizations who successfully implemented and tested Heartwired messaging strategies in their own work — allowing them to create more compelling, relatable messages and to reach target audiences in new ways. Speakers:

• Robert Pérez, Chief Exploration Officer, Wonder: Strategies for Good
• John Whaley, Partner, Goodwin Simon Strategic Research

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] Developing a Set of Shared Principles and Practices for Ocean Justice

Hosted by Ocean Conservancy A roundtable discussion aimed at drafting a discipline-wide set of principles to help guide the integration of justice and equity into national ocean conservation activities. Speakers:

• Alexandra Sutton Lawrence, Vice President of Conservation, Justice and Equity,Ocean Conservancy (moderator)

45 mins

[Partner Breakout] Utilizing Hawaiian Cultural Traditions as a Foundation for the Management of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

• Brad Kaʻaleleo Wong, Kūkulu Papahānaumokuākea, Papahānaumokuākea Program Specialist, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (Moderator)
• Bonnie Kahape'a-Tanner, Executive Director and Captain, Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy
• Haunani Kane, NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology, University of Hawaiʻi
• Kim Kanoe'ulalani Morishige, Ph.D. Candidate, NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Marine Biology Graduate Program,  University of Hawaii 

45 mins

Opportunities for Federal Policy to Deepen Justice and Equity

In 2022, the nation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of major environmental legislation, including the National Marine Sanctuary Act (part of the Ocean Dumping Act), the Coastal Zone Management Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Congress is also considering legislation to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act and address climate change and the ocean. This plenary will examine federal legislative and executive policies that can move us towards a deeper integration of justice and equity principles. Opening Remarks

• Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of the Interior 
• The Honorable Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senate, Washington and Chair, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
• The Honorable Raul Grijalva, U.S. House of Representatives, AZ-03 and Chair, House Natural Resource Committee 

• Russell F. Smith, Consultant, Flen Consulting

• Taqulik Hepa, Director, North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management
• Nahal Ghoghaie, Environmental Justice Manager, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission
• Joe Oatman, Deputy Department Manager and Harvest Division Director, Nez Perce
• Les W. Burke, JD, Founder, Jr. Scientists in the Sea 

60 min

Building Back Bluer

Federal, state, and local policy can promote a just transition to a sustainable blue economy by making infrastructure more resilient and investing in nature-based solutions; fostering job training and creation in blue industries such as restoration; and, supporting access to our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. This panel will focus on how to build back bluer to support the U.S. economy and competitiveness. Opening Remarks 

• Secretary Gina Raimondo, U.S. Department of Commerce  
• The Honorable Thomas Carper, U.S. Senate, Delaware and Chair, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 
• The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senate, Rhode Island and Co-Chair, Senate Oceans Caucus 
• The Honorable A. Donald McEachin, U.S. House of Representatives, VA-04 

• Felipe Benítez, Executive Director, Corazón Latino

• Taishya Adams, Policy Director, Outdoor Afro
• Margaret Gordon, Co-founder, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project
• Nils Bolgen, Program Director, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

60 min

CHOW Closing Plenary – Deepening Collaboration in the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Movement

Building off the conversations of the past three days, members of the CHOW Advisory Committee will explore what priorities emerged that can form the basis of an agenda to deepen justice and equity in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes conservation, science and policy? What does collective action look like? Who needs to be part of the conversation? What roles need to be established and elevated to expand access to decision making efforts and to resources? Opening Remarks

• The Honorable Ed Case, U.S. House of Representatives, HI-01
• The Honorable Mikie Sherrill, U.S. House of Representatives, NJ-11 and Chair, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment
• The Honorable Joe Neguse , U.S House of Representatives, CO-02 

• Kevin T. Bryan, Principal and Managing Director, Equnival Partners/Nature For Justice

• David Riera, FEF McKnight Doctoral Fellow, Hispanic Access Foundation Oceans Advisory Committee
• Helen Smith, Ocean Climate Action Associate, Creation Justice Ministries
• Raimundo Espinosa, Executive Director, Conservación ConCiencia
• Trisha Kehaulani Watson, JD, PhD, CEO and Owner, Honua Consulting 
• Jaylene Wheeler, Justice and Equity Director, Kawerak, Inc. 
• Alexa Lawrence, Vice President, Conservation, Justice, and Equity, Ocean Conservancy 

• Kris Sarri, President and CEO, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

60 min