Capitol Hill Ocean Week registration is now open

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is proud to announce the opening of registration for Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2024!

The Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) conference will take place in-person in Washington, DC, and on a virtual platform on June 2-5. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the conference is free and open to the public.

This year our week of events will focus on “The Next Wave” to harness the power of collective action and innovation, driving transformative change across science, culture and heritage, climate action, and innovation.  

Register now and learn more at CapitolHillOceanWeek.org!

CAPITOL HILL OCEAN WEEK 2025: THE NEXT WAVE

CHOW Conference: June 3rd and 4th  

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, 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.  

**NEW THIS YEAR**  CHOW Ocean Awards Reception: June 3rd  

Tuesday evening will feature the revamped Ocean Awards Reception onsite at the conference to honor distinguished champions of marine and Great Lakes stewardship with Leadership Awards.  

The Ocean Awards Reception creates an energizing and fun soiree for meeting, mingling, and celebrating champions of our ocean. This will be a ticketed early evening event designed to maximize networking with colleagues old and new, luminaries in the ocean community, and the business leaders and policymakers that are invested in our waters. The standing reception will feature awards for ocean champions and showcase sustainable US seafood.

CHOW Hill Day: June 2nd  

Congress needs to hear from ocean champions like you! On Monday, June 2nd, CHOW Hill Day provides a national platform to elevate critical ocean and Great Lakes policy issues and engage with Members of Congress and their staff.  

In addition to legislator meetings, CHOW Hill Day will feature unique opportunities for attendees to engage with leaders in the ocean space.  

CHOW Partner Day and Day of Action: June 5th  

Capitol Hill Ocean Week will conclude with a Partner Day featuring offsite activities, the culmination of events scheduled throughout the week to showcase the community’s ongoing strength and spur collective action.

Thank you for your continued support of ocean conservation. We look forward to our most exciting and impactful CHOW yet! Stay tuned for the full agenda and list of speakers to be announced.

For the most current information on CHOW 2025 and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.