Public ProgrammingRegister / Tickets

December 9-11, 2026  |  Santa Barbara, CA

Speakers & Participants

Additional speakers and participants are currently being confirmed. Check back for updates.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ESRI CHIEF SCIENTIST

Dawn Wright

Dr. Dawn Wright is Chief Scientist of ESRI and a globally recognized pioneer in geographic information systems (GIS) as applied to coasts and ocean. Also Professor of Geography and Oceanography at Oregon State University, she made history in 2022 as the first Black person to dive to  Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth. Her groundbreaking work has advanced ocean mapping, marine science, and the use of geospatial technology to better understand and protect our planet.
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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.
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EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Public Programming

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

Featured Participants

Gregg Hart represents California’s 37th Assembly District, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. A longtime public servant and environmental advocate, he has championed legislation to protect California’s coast, reduce marine pollution, and advance sustainable ocean and climate policy.

Gregg Hart

37TH DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMEMBER

Laura Francis is the Founder of the Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund, a collaborative philanthropic fund investing in ocean solutions. A former NOAA marine biologist with 27 years of service, she now pioneers innovative finance models to accelerate ocean impact.

Laura Francis

SEA FORWARD FUND, FOUNDER

Tom Quigley, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Superorganism, the first venture firm dedicated to biodiversity, investing at the intersection of nature, biotech, and ocean innovation.

Tom Quigley

SUPERORGANISM

Peter Bryant, Managing Director, Philanthropy, Oceans, Builders Vision, a mission-driven impact platform combining philanthropy, investment, and influence to catalyze capital across the ocean and blue economy ecosystem.

Peter Bryant

BUIDER'S VISION

Dr. Catherine (Cat) Burns, Managing Director, NatureVest (The Nature Conservancy), leading Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation and private investment in sustainable aquaculture private equity funds, spanning conservation debt and blue-economy venture.

Cat Burns

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

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.

Mathew Stotts

CERULEAN VENTURES, CO-FOUNDER

Gracie White, Senior Director of Global Ocean Investments, Conservation International Ventures (CI Ventures), investing in early-stage, nature-positive enterprises across emerging markets.

Gracie White

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL VENTURES

Robert Mazurek has spent over two decades leading national and international efforts to strengthen ocean governance, enhance marine policy, and create resilient coasts. As Executive Director of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, he leads a team advancing conservation. He also founded the Secure Fisheries program at One Earth Future and co-founded the California Ocean Alliance, which he continues to chair.

Robert Mazurek

CALIFORNIA MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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