Our oceans are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change and overfishing to plastics and ocean acidification. Amidst such human-generated problems, there are continually evolving changes and challenges in how ocean science, conservation, and education are seen, supported, and conducted. Entrepreneurial approaches, including small businesses and non-profits, outside large institutions and industries offer increasingly new and agile pathways. We will discuss several different paths that have resulting in novel and modern ways of studying, conserving, and teaching about our oceans. An open discussion on these topics and the importance of collaboration and innovation will follow.

Brandon Southall, PhD.
President & Senior Scientist, Southall Environmental Associates, Inc.
Board of Directors, California Ocean Alliance

Graham Casden
Chief Visionary Officer
Oceans First