The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has announced the program for Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) 2026, taking place June 2–4 in Washington, DC and online.
CHOW will convene policymakers, scientists, technologists, conservationists, explorers and youth leaders to address the most pressing issues impacting the US’s ocean, coasts and Great Lakes.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, CHOW 2026 will explore “Voyages and Breakthroughs“: the theme of the US’s maritime legacy and future: how the ocean and Great Lakes have shaped the nation’s history through exploration, innovation and stewardship, and how coastal communities continue to drive opportunity while safeguarding the country’s waters.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President and CEO Joel Johnson said:
“As we approach these twin milestones — the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 25th anniversary of Capitol Hill Ocean Week — we have a rare opportunity not only to reflect on the central role of our waters and coastal communities in America’s history, but to shape their role in its future.”
Featured speakers include:
- Nainoa Thompson, Pwo Navigator and CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society
- James Delgado, Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Cultural Heritage for The Ocean Foundation
- Cathy Green, Executive Director of the National Maritime Historical Society
- Howard Hoege, President and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park
- Spenser Jaimes, Board Member of Ocean Origins
- Chris Ostrander, Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Technology Society
- Justin Dunnavant, Ph.D, Joan Silsbee Chair of African Cultural Archaeology, University of California Los Angeles
On the evening of June 2, CHOW will host the Ocean Awards, an annual celebration honoring champions of the ocean and Great Lakes, bringing together leaders from business, government, science and conservation.
The 2026 honorees include:
- Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation): James Delgado, Ph.D.
- Conservation Innovation Award: Viking
- Maritime Heritage Distinguished Service Award: The Mariners’ Museum and Park
A limited number of individual tickets to the Ocean Awards will be available for purchase in May.
