
Meeting the world’s greatest challenges will require us to harness the power of collective action and innovation.


June 2-5, 2025
Washington, DC
Every wave begins with a single drop or ripple.
As these ripples move forward, they gather momentum and grow in strength. What starts as a small ripple can evolve into a powerful wave, capable of driving significant change, discovering new depths, sharing stories, inspiring action, and ultimately shaping the future. At the heart of every wave are people who inspire, challenge, disrupt, and lead. They are the innovators and forces of nature – the true wavemakers driving progress and meaningful change.
By showcasing the cutting-edge advancements and emerging leaders that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, CHOW 2025 spotlights the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, climate action, and innovation. As the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, join us to explore and connect with the pioneering individuals and initiatives that are leading the charge in protecting and transforming the future of our ocean and Great Lakes.
Engage in this dynamic movement and help shape a sustainable, thriving future for our big blue planet. Together, we can drive the change we need and ensure a better future for our generations to come.
Capitol Hill Ocean Week is where our community comes together.
Each year, thousands of people who have a stake in the future of our waters and our planet converge to hear from the preeminent voices—and future leaders—in our industry, glimpse the future of marine technology, and meet the policymakers eliciting change on the local, national and global levels. The topics discussed at CHOW become the mainstream headlines about our ocean, coasts and Great Lakes, and all are welcome to the dialogue. And we need your voice too.
Read more about Capitol Hill Ocean Week.
CHOW 2025 Advisory Committee
Armon Alex
Co-Founder and Director, Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit
Jeff Boehm, DVM, ACAW
Chief External Relations Officer, The Marine Mammal Center
Kristy Clement
Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Cathy Green
President and Executive Director, National Maritime Historical Society
Mark Huang
Founder and Venture Partner, SeaAhead
Stephanie Hussey
Senior Director of Government Engagement, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
Dawn Kernagis
Director of Scientific Research, DEEP
Dana Okano, PhD, AICP
Program Director, Hawai’i Community Foundation
Whitney Potter-Schwartz
Senior Vice President of Communications and Operations, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
Danni Washington
Co-Founder and Board Member, Big Blue and You
Alissa Weinman
Ocean Program Manager
CHOW Hill Day

June 2nd on Capitol Hill
CHOW Conference

June 3rd and 4th / Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC
CHOW Ocean Awards Reception

June 3rd / Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC
CHOW Partner Day

June 5th / Various Locations throughout Washington, DC