Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2025
CHOW is where our community comes together. Meeting the world’s greatest challenges will require us to harness the power of collective action and innovation.
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, resiliency, 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.
We are grateful to our generous sponsors, partners, and all our participants. It is with your collaboration and support that Capitol Hill Ocean Week continues to be a success year after year.
Plenary Sessions- Day One
Opening Keynote:
Keynote Speaker: Timothy “TJ” John Greene, Chairman, Makah Tribal Council
Join us for this keynote address from a leader, innovator, and wavemaker who is driving progress and meaningful change. By sharing the cutting-edge advancements and collective actions that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, they will inspire us all and showcasing the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation.
Speakers: The panel was moderated by National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President & CEO Joel R. Johnson, and panelists included Mark Huang (LongLeaf Studios, Inc.), Ved Chirayath (University of Miami, National Geographic), Millicent Wallace Pitts (Ocean Exchange, Inc) and Dawn Kernagis (DEEP).
At the heart of the next wave are visionaries who disrupt, challenge, and lead. They are true wavemakers driving progress and meaningful change. The future of the ocean is being shaped by innovation, collaboration, and new styles of leadership. This session will explore how emerging technologies, community-driven solutions, and bold partnerships are redefining the approach to ocean governance. CHOW 2025 spotlights the next wave of transformative change including advancements in the ocean enterprise, maritime technology, extreme weather response, and empowering state and local legislative champions. Join the conversation on how these visionaries are pioneering innovative solutions and transforming the future of our ocean and Great Lakes.
Speakers: Representative Chellie Pingree (Opening Remarks), Kristy Clement (moderator, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation), Linda Lai Cornish (Seafood Nutrition Partnership), Buddy Guindon (Katie’s Seafood Market), Emily Menashes (NOAA Fisheries), Dave Hogan (U.S. Department of State), and Imani Black (Minorities in Aquaculture).
The United States is a global leader in the sustainable seafood industry. In the face of growing global challenges, the future of America’s seafood competitiveness relies on robust wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture, manufacturing and processing, modern infrastructure and a strong workforce. This session will examine the innovations, collaborations, and bold actions surrounding American seafood independence—from increasing domestic production and reducing foreign and illegal imports, to promoting America First Seafood. We’ll highlight the next wave of seafood champions driving a stronger, integrated, holistic US-based and- centered seafood chain that advances sustainable fisheries, boosts job creation and economic vitality, and promotes more healthy American seafood on American plates.
Speakers: Nicole LeBoeuf (moderator, Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service), Catherine Green (National Maritime Historical Society), Jim Ritterhoff (FORCE BLUE, INC.), and Luisa A. Vázquez-López (The Mariners’ Museum and Park) and Kevin “Community Kev” Brannon (Reel Angler Network), and Chairman Kenneth Kahn (Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians).
Hosted by: The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, 50th anniversary of Monitor national marine sanctuary, and the arrival of new marine protected area models – the role of local communities to protect and preserve history, heritage, and culture has been codified in the nation’s most treasured places. As exemplars of local and state leadership, and our nation’s foundational belief in “of the people, by the people, for the people,”— marine protected areas fuel American resilience and innovation. In addition to their cultural and environmental significance, these areas are economic powerhouses that generate billions of dollars in value. National Marine Sanctuaries support industries such as tourism, sustainable fishing, and coastal recreation, which provide livelihoods for millions of Americans and drive local economies, especially in coastal communities. This session will explore how public and private partnerships are advancing local conservation, resilience, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation inherent to the American story. By investing in marine sanctuaries, we ensure the lasting protection of our ocean and sanctuaries, safeguarding both environmental health and the economic vitality of our coastal communities for generations to come.
CHOW 2025: Closing Keynote Day 1
Speaker: Nicholas Rotker, Chief BlueTech Strategist, Cross-Cutting Director, MITRE
Join us for this keynote address from a leader, innovator, and wavemaker who is driving progress and meaningful change. By sharing the cutting-edge advancements and collective actions that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, they will inspire us all and showcasing the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation.
Plenary Sessions - Day Two
Speaker: Kristy Clement, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Join us for this keynote address from a leader, innovator, and wavemaker who is driving progress and meaningful change. By sharing the cutting-edge advancements and collective actions that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, they will inspire us all and showcasing the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation.
Speakers: Holly Bamford (moderator, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation), Áine Denari (Navico Group and Brunswick), Joshua Grier (Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA), Eliot Horowitz (Viam), Taylor Shropshire (Fathom Science)
Hosted by: Yamaha and Viking Marine Group
The $432 billion marine recreation and coastal tourism sector is powered by millions of anglers, boaters, businesses, and coastal communities whose operations and livelihoods depend on the health and accessibility of U.S. waters. Increasingly, marine industry leaders—including boat builders, engine manufacturers, and marine electronics companies—are partnering with local communities to invest in technologies that support data-driven ocean management and conservation. The panel will focus on how innovation across the private sector — combined with ocean user engagement — is driving improved environmental outcomes, from real-time data collection to advanced tools that better protect marine life. Panelists will explore opportunities for public-private collaboration with government agencies and local stakeholders, highlighting how these efforts are delivering real benefits: better data, smarter management, job creation, public access, and a more sustainable marine economy.
Speakers: Representative Gabe Amo (Opening Remarks), Andy Bowen (moderator, WHOI), Dr. Katy Croff Bell (Ocean Discovery League), Vicki Ferrini (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University), and Shepard Smith (XOCEAN).
As long as humanity has existed, it has pushed the boundaries to reach new depths. With less than 30% of the ocean mapped, an insatiable drive to uncover the mysteries of the ocean remains one of the newest frontiers for human exploration on this Earth. The pressures of intensive subsea operations present challenges and solutions for accelerating energy independence, preparing for responsible operations, capturing the spirit of adventure, and fueling the next inner space race. CHOW brings to light the Innovative technologies and engineering marvels that are illuminating the depths, pushing the limits of human habitation, revolutionizing the next generation maritime workforce and operations, and pioneering digital solutions for our future.
Speakers: Ruth Perry (moderator, Shell Power USA), Jake Kritzer (NERACOOS), Tershara Matthews (WSP), David Millar (Fugro), and Michael Braid (Edison Chouest Offshore), Sean Wolpert (closing keynote, DEEP)
With the rise of next-generation technologies, the path to American ocean energy leadership demands interagency strategic planning, responsible development, public input, and safeguards that protect both ecosystems and communities. Investors, utilities, developers, and ocean users need clarity, certainty, and confidence to unlock innovation, attract capital, and balance growth with environmental stewardship. This CHOW session brings together leaders in energy, finance, science, and policy to explore how the U.S. can lead in offshore energy—leveraging the best available data and technology to strengthen American competitiveness while coexisting with fisheries, shipping, tourism, and conservation priorities. Join us as we discuss how to build a durable, inclusive energy future offshore.
Speaker: Sean Wolpert, President, DEEP
Join us for this keynote address from a leader, innovator, and wavemaker who is driving progress and meaningful change. By sharing the cutting-edge advancements and collective actions that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, they will inspire us all and showcasing the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation.
Virtual Breakout Sessions Day 2
Speakers: Meaghan Emory (NOAA Fisheries Southeast Science Center), Danielle Blacklock (NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture), Carissa Gervasi (Assistant Scientist in support of NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center through the University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies), and Sarah Shoffler (NOAA Fisheries).
Hosted by: NOAA Fisheries
Seafood plays a vital role in U.S. food security and is the foundation of our coastal economies, and NOAA Fisheries is committed to ensuring more American seafood is on American plates. The 2025 Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness outlines the President’s vision of making the United States the global leader in sustainable seafood. In alignment with this national momentum, NOAA’s National Seafood Strategy is driving projects that boost domestic seafood production, modernize infrastructure, and advance workforce development. This virtual panel will spotlight the people, partnerships, and pilot initiatives behind wild-capture and aquaculture efforts that are fostering real impact. Panelists will explore how federal actions and industry innovation are driving progress, what lessons are emerging, and how to shape a self-reliant seafood system centered around American communities.
Speakers: Nicole LeBoeuf (moderator), Kelly Hereid (Liberty Mutual), Alec Bogdanoff (Brizaga), Ryan Jeffery (Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator, gener8tor), and Dennis Yancey (Marauder Robotics).
Hosted by: NOAA National Ocean Service
Robust, high-quality data is the cornerstone of the ocean enterprise, demanding investment in ocean observation technologies, predictive modeling capabilities, and constructive public-private partnerships. These partnerships empower maritime industries to develop new, innovative technologies that prepare the nation to address societal challenges like extreme weather and flooding now and in the future. This session will highlight the critical role of accessible, high-quality ocean observing data and services developed through public-private partnerships. You will hear from panelists across diverse sectors who use and leverage these data and services to improve public safety and coastal resilience while generating their own market share. Robust, high-quality data is the cornerstone of the ocean enterprise, demanding investment in ocean observation technologies, predictive modeling capabilities, and constructive public-private partnerships. These partnerships empower maritime industries to develop new, innovative technologies that prepare the nation to address societal challenges like extreme weather and flooding now and in the future. This session will highlight the critical role of accessible, high-quality ocean observing data and services developed through public-private partnerships. You will hear from panelists across diverse sectors who use and leverage these data and services to improve public safety and coastal resilience while generating their own market share.
Photos from Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2025
