2026 California Ocean Summit

Innovating For Resilience

A premier event advancing ocean stewardship through science, policy, philanthropy, investment, and culture. Join us as we leverage California's legacy of environmental innovation to drive lasting impact for our coast.
A premier four-day event advancing ocean stewardship through science, policy, philanthropy, investment, and culture.

December 8-11, 2026  |  Santa Barbara, CA

One Summit, Two Experiences

The California Ocean Summit is intentionally designed to bring together both the leaders driving ocean solutions and the broader community that cares about the future of our coasts. Through a combination of working sessions and public-facing cultural programming, the Summit creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration, storytelling, and action.

SCIENCE, POLICY & INVESTMENT

Working Summit

The engine of the Summit, bringing together leaders across sectors to collaborate, build partnerships, and advance actionable solutions.

Who Should Attend:

  • Ocean Scientists & Researchers
  • Policymakers & Government Leaders
  • Impact Investors & Philanthropists
  • Venture Capital Firms
  • Ocean Startups & Entrepreneurs
  • NGOs & Environmental Organizations
  • Cultural Leaders & Storytellers
  • Media & Journalists
  • Environmental Leaders
Join the Waitlist

Connect

Gain direct access to leaders across ocean science, policy, investment, philanthropy, and innovation through curated networking and cross-sector matchmaking.

Collaborate

Participate in working sessions designed to build partnerships, align priorities, and accelerate real-world solutions for California’s ocean future.

Shape the Future

Help influence emerging ocean policy, investment initiatives, and the development of a California Ocean Action Declaration and Coastal Ocean Innovation Hub.

EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Public Programming

Film, arts, storytelling, and community experiences designed to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders.

Public Events:

  • Arts & Cultural Experiences
  • Film Screenings
  • Live Performances & Concert Experiences
  • Community Engagement Activities
  • Public Talks & Storytelling Events
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SCIENCE, POLICY & INVESTMENT

Working Summit

The engine of the Summit, bringing together leaders across sectors to collaborate, build partnerships, and advance actionable solutions.
Request More Information

EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Public Programming

Film, arts, storytelling, and community experiences designed to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders.

Where Science, Capital, Policy, and Culture Converge

The California Ocean Summit is organized around five interconnected themes designed to spark collaboration, accelerate innovation, and advance meaningful action. Together, these focus areas bring diverse perspectives into conversation around the future of ocean stewardship and coastal resilience.

Ocean Innovation

INNOVATION

Explore the research, technology, deployment, and commercialization shaping the future of ocean solutions—highlighting the people and innovations moving from concept to real-world impact.

Policy & Progress

ACTION

Engage with policymakers, agency leaders, and advocates working to advance practical solutions for California’s ocean and coastal ecosystems. Discussions focus on implementation, collaboration, and the policies needed to drive measurable progress.

Capital & Investment

INVESTMENT

ADiscover how philanthropy, ocean venture capital, impact investing, and blended finance can help scale ocean solutions. This focus area connects funders and innovators around opportunities to accelerate environmental and economic outcomes.

Community & Culture

CONNECTION

Experience the power of storytelling, film, arts, and public engagement to inspire action and deepen our connection to the ocean. This portion of the event explores how culture can help move ocean issues from the margins to the center of public conversation.

Field Experiences

EXPLORATION

Step beyond the conference venue and into the landscapes that make California’s coastline unique. Guided site visits and immersive experiences provide firsthand perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping our coastal future.

Community & Culture

CONNECTION

Experience the power of storytelling, film, arts, and public engagement to inspire action and deepen our connection to the ocean. This portion of the event explores how culture can help move ocean issues from the margins to the center of public conversation.

Where Science, Capital, Policy, and Culture Converge

The California Ocean Summit is organized around five interconnected themes designed to spark collaboration, accelerate innovation, and advance meaningful action. Together, these focus areas bring diverse perspectives into conversation around the future of ocean stewardship and coastal resilience.

Ocean Innovation

INNOVATION

Explore the research, technology, deployment, and commercialization shaping the future of ocean solutions—highlighting the people and innovations moving from concept to real-world impact.

Policy & Progress

ACTION

Engage with policymakers, agency leaders, and advocates working to advance practical solutions for California’s ocean and coastal ecosystems. Discussions focus on implementation, collaboration, and the policies needed to drive measurable progress.

Capital & Investment

INVESTMENT

Discover how philanthropy, ocean venture capital, impact investing, and blended finance can help scale ocean solutions. This focus area connects funders and innovators around opportunities to accelerate environmental and economic outcomes.

Community & Culture

CONNECTION

Experience the power of storytelling, film, arts, and public engagement to inspire action and deepen our connection to the ocean. This portion of the event explores how culture can help move ocean issues from the margins to the center of public conversation.

Field Experiences

EXPLORATION

Step beyond the conference venue and into the landscapes that make California’s coastline unique. Guided site visits and immersive experiences provide firsthand perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping our coastal future.

BECOME A PARTNER

Partnership Opportunities

Partner with the California Ocean Summit and connect your organization with leaders across science, policy, investment, philanthropy, and innovation. Complete the form to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and partnership benefits.
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Be part of the movement.

The California Ocean Summit website is currently evolving. Subscribe to receive updates, programming announcements, speaker news, and opportunities to get involved as new information becomes available.
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Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Be part of the movement.

The California Ocean Summit website is currently evolving. Subscribe to receive updates, programming announcements, speaker news, and opportunities to get involved as new information becomes available.
We care about your data in our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The California Ocean Summit is a global convening advancing ocean stewardship through science, policy, philanthropy, investment, and culture. The Summit exists to align leadership, funding, innovation, and policy around practical, scalable solutions for ocean health and coastal resilience. 
For more information or questions contact:
info@calocean.org
contact: info@calocean.org
© 2026 California Ocean Summit, Inc. All rights reserved