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December 9-11, 2026  |  Santa Barbara, CA

Moving Ocean Leadership Forward

The CA Ocean Summit was inspired by the belief that California has both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead on ocean stewardship. From the earliest planning conversations, our steering committee of policymakers, researchers, scientists, and impact investors arrived at a shared conclusion: California is home to world-class ocean research, innovative solutions, and passionate advocates, yet there are too few opportunities to bring these communities together around a common vision.
The Summit was created to bridge that gap. By convening leaders from across disciplines, we aim to foster meaningful collaboration, accelerate investment in promising solutions, and strengthen the connections needed to ensure California remains at the forefront of ocean leadership for years to come.

OUTCOME 1

Shaping California's Ocean Future

The Summit will foster meaningful dialogue around emerging priorities, share best practices, and explore science-informed approaches to ocean stewardship. By strengthening collaboration across sectors, these conversations will help inform California's future approach to ocean policy while encouraging innovative solutions to the challenges facing our coast and ocean.

OUTCOME 2

Investing in the Next Generation of Ocean Innovation

California has long been a leader in research and entrepreneurship. The Summit seeks to build on that legacy by advancing a vision for an Ocean Innovation Hub that connects scientific discovery with philanthropy, impact investing, and entrepreneurship. By fostering new partnerships and investment, we aim to accelerate solutions that strengthen coastal resilience, support a thriving blue economy, and transform promising ideas into real-world impact.

OUTCOME 3

Advancing a Declaration for Ocean Stewardship

Protecting our ocean requires a shared commitment that extends beyond any one organization or sector. The Summit will provide an opportunity to advance a shared declaration that reflects a collective vision for ocean stewardship and long-term collaboration. More than a statement, it will serve as a foundation for strengthening partnerships and moving ocean leadership forward in California and beyond.

SCIENCE, POLICY & INVESTMENT

Working Summit

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

Public Programming

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

Summit Steering Committee

Gregg Hart, Assemblymember, 37th District

Gregg Hart represents California's 37th Assembly District, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Before joining the State Assembly, he spent more than three decades in public service, including as a Santa Barbara County Supervisor, City Councilmember, and California Coastal Commissioner. In the Legislature, he has authored landmark environmental legislation to accelerate the plugging and abandonment of idle oil wells, strengthen environmental review for coastal oil projects, and establish California's first statewide voluntary vessel speed reduction program to reduce whale strikes, underwater noise, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Laura Francis, Sea Forward Fund

Laura Francis is the Founder of the Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund, a collaborative, multi-donor philanthropic fund that channels capital into globally diversified ocean impact investments. She spent 27 years at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a marine biologist and educator — and now focuses on pioneering new models of blended finance to accelerate innovation for our ocean.

Mathew Stotts, Cerulean Ventures

Matthew Stotts is Co-Founder and Partner at Cerulean Ventures, where he invests in early-stage companies building solutions for climate resilience, biodiversity, and a nature-positive economy. He is a former technology founder and professor of technology management at the University of California.
Dr. Bob Miller is a marine ecologist and Research Biologist at UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. He leads major long-term research programs focused on kelp forests, marine biodiversity, and the health of California’s coastal ecosystems.

Bob Miller, UCSB Marine Science

PROFESSOR, MARINE SCIENCE

Roxanne Nanninga is a sustainability executive and advisor working at the intersection of ocean health, food systems, and climate impact. She brings over a decade of experience leading global initiatives across seafood supply chains, regenerative aquaculture, traceability, and human rights, with roles spanning nonprofits, startups, and multinational corporations.

Roxanne Nanninga

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIC ADVISOR

Gunnar Langenhuizen is a Senior District Representative for Assemblymember Gregg Hart in California's 37th District. He works closely with constituents, local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations on issues including environmental protection, transportation, energy, and housing, helping connect Central Coast communities with state resources and legislative priorities.

Gunnar Langenhuizen, Gregg Hart

SENIOR DESTRICT REPRESENTIVE

Jaden Gill is a Storyteller and Strategic Communications Specialist for mission-driven nonprofits, with a focus on ocean and climate. She currently supports communications for the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund and has built her career around amplifying underrepresented voices and turning complex climate issues into actionable narratives.

Jaden Gill, Sea Forward Fund

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Skylah Reis is a Marine Science PhD student at UC Santa Barbara, researching the ecology of offshore energy platforms and artificial reefs, with a focus on marine ecosystem dynamics in the context of climate change and energy transition. Skylah is also the founder and co-director of Captain’s Academy, a STEM mentorship program supporting young women pursuing marine science careers.

Skylah Reis, UCSB

MARINE SCIENCE PHD STUDENT

Shey Dorji has a background in marine biochemistry and brings direct experience in climate finance, aquaculture commercialization, and blue biotechnology. Shey is currently a Master's student at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, specializing in Business Sustainability and Coastal Resource Management, with a focus on Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Shey Dorji, Sea Forward

OCEAN IMPACT METRICS AND REPORTING INTERN

Dr. Bob Miller is a marine ecologist and Research Biologist at UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. He leads major long-term research programs focused on kelp forests, marine biodiversity, and the health of California’s coastal ecosystems.

Bob Miller, UCSB Marine Science

PROFESSOR, MARINE SCIENCE

Roxanne Nanninga is a sustainability executive and advisor working at the intersection of ocean health, food systems, and climate impact. She brings over a decade of experience leading global initiatives across seafood supply chains, regenerative aquaculture, traceability, and human rights, with roles spanning nonprofits, startups, and multinational corporations.

Roxanne Nanning

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIC ADVISOR

Gunnar Langenhuizen is a Senior District Representative for Assemblymember Gregg Hart in California's 37th District. He works closely with constituents, local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations on issues including environmental protection, transportation, energy, and housing, helping connect Central Coast communities with state resources and legislative priorities.

Gunnar Langenhuizen, Gregg Hart

SENIOR DESTRICT REPRESENTIVE

Jaden Gill is a Storyteller and Strategic Communications Specialist for mission-driven nonprofits, with a focus on ocean and climate. She currently supports communications for the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund and has built her career around amplifying underrepresented voices and turning complex climate issues into -actionable narratives.

Jaden Gill, Sea Forward Fund

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Skylah Reis is a Marine Science PhD student at UC Santa Barbara, researching the ecology of offshore energy platforms and artificial reefs, with a focus on marine ecosystem dynamics in the context of climate change and energy transition. Skylah is also the founder and co-director of Captain’s Academy, a STEM mentorship program supporting young women pursuing marine science careers.

Skylah Reis, UCSB

MARINE SCIENCE PHD STUDENT

Elly Iverson, Conference Director

Elly Iverson is a Santa Barbara–based event producer and founder of eji event co., where she leads mission-driven productions for fundraisers, festivals, concerts, and film projects. Through her work, she partners with nonprofit and cultural organizations to design and execute high-impact live experiences that prioritize creativity, community, and purpose over scale, like the California Ocean Summit.

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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.
We care about your data in our privacy policy.
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contact: info@calocean.org