Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

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Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

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Around the world, our ocean and its inhabitants face many challenges.

As human impacts continuously threaten the health of our marine ecosystems, both locally and globally, it is imperative that we involve youth in a campaign to solve these problems. The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, launched in 2011 and held annually at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL, as well as satellite locations across the United States, provides youth participants of all ages (upper elementary-college) the opportunity to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally.

Through the event, participants are also inspired by their peers – youth leaders who are taking immediate action leading projects to protect the ocean. Attendees then collaborate with peers and mentors to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Workshops offered at the summit allow participants to gain the skills necessary to successfully implement conservation projects, teach participants about career opportunities in marine conservation, and expose them to opportunities they can take part in to help protect our planet's oceans and their inhabitants. Throughout the year, Summit alumni are connected to the global Youth Ocean Conservation Team – connecting them to other youth and adults around the world who are dedicated to taking action to protect the ocean and resources to help support their ocean conservation projects.

10/28/2026

Meet Keyla, a YOCS alum whose experience shows how investing in young ocean advocates can help turn big ideas into real-world conservation action.

Through our mini-grant program, YOCS helps young people bring projects to life in their own communities. With just a few days left in our matching fundraiser, we’re so close to reaching our $2,500 goal, with donations matched by Jack Johnson through November 1.

Help us cross the finish line! Your support helps fund more youth-led conservation projects and puts resources directly into the hands of the next generation of ocean leaders.

🔗 Double your impact and donate today at yocs.org/donate or the link in our bio!

09/27/2026

3 days left to support youth-led ocean action! 🌊

Our Auction Fundraiser closes September 30, and there are still plenty of great items up for grabs - from experiences and outdoor gear to art, gift cards, and more.

Every bid helps support the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit and our mini-grant program, giving young people the resources to turn their ideas into action in their own communities.

Don’t miss out - check out the auction and place your bid before it closes!

🔗 Link in bio
⏰ Auction closes Sept. 30 @ 8pm EDT

09/14/2026

The YOCS 2026 Auction Fundraiser is LIVE! 🎉

We just wrapped up another incredible Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, uniting young ocean advocates to develop their own ocean conservation projects. Want to help support the work that continues beyond the Summit? Our annual auction is a great way to do it!

👉 Check out the full auction lineup and place your bids at the link in our bio or galabid.com/yocs2026

This year’s auction features an exciting lineup of items and experiences, including limited edition artwork from Guy Harvey, a behind the scenes tour at Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium Science Education Aquarium, a pair of Costa’s Untangled Collection Pescador Sunglasses from NetPlus | Bureo, Rareform backpack bundle from Ryan M, a book bundle from Julie C. Henry, gift certificates to Waterlust, The Original Cape Clasp, and Fin Pin Shop - Jaclyn & Yasmin, and more - all supporting youth-led ocean conservation projects through our mini-grant program and the continued growth of YOCS.

Need another reason to get involved right now?! Thanks to a matching commitment from Jack Johnson your support can go twice as far, with contributions matched up to $2,500! 🌊

🗓️ Auction closes September 30 at 11:59pm EDT.

Help us keep the momentum from YOCS 2026 going and support the next generation of ocean conservation leaders!

09/13/2026

Our 2026 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit brought together young ocean advocates from across the region for a day of learning, connection, and action!

Inspired by their peers and leading conservationists, Summit attendees explored biodiversity and wildlife conservation, shared ideas, and began developing their own innovative ocean conservation projects.

showed what’s possible when young people have the knowledge, tools, and support to make a difference. In the words of our 2026 keynote speaker Alex Webster, “There is no minimum age for caring about our planet.”

A huge thank you to our speakers, mentors, volunteers, sponsors, the incredible team at Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium, and our Youth Leadership Crew for making one to remember!

The tide is turning for our ocean planet and our community of young advocates is leading the way. 🌊

09/09/2026

Meet Manal Chatri, one of YOCS 2026 grant recipients! 🌊

Manal Chatris Ripple Effect: The Litter Leaders Community Marine Debris Initiative addresses waterfront pollution by combining scientific data collection with community engagement.

Working alongside scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory, Manal will identify litter hotspots through water and sediment sampling while collaborating with students to design
eye-catching recycling bins that promote environmental awareness and behavior change.

Thank you Manal for all your hard work & efforts for our environments!! 🪸🌎

09/08/2026

🚨 LAST DAY TO REGISTER! 🚨

Don’t miss the 2026 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit! 🌊 Join us this Saturday, September 12, at Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota for a a day of community building, learning, and action to protect our ocean planet.

Sign-up by Wednesday, September 8 at: yocs.org/2026-summit. See you there!

09/03/2026

🧬 Meet the Speakers: Blueprints for Biodiversity!

What can genetics tell us about the future of coral reefs and sea turtles? 🌊🐢🪸

In this workshop, Dr. Jake Lasala and Morgan Jewell will explore how genetic research is helping scientists better understand marine populations, inform conservation strategies, and build a more resilient future for our oceans.

🔬 Dr. Jake Lasala has spent more than 18 years working with sea turtles and currently leads the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium. His research uses genetics to uncover what traditional sea turtle surveys can miss - including the often-overlooked role of male sea turtles in population dynamics - while examining how turtles use habitats and respond to environmental change.

🪸 Morgan Jewell, supervisor of the International Coral Gene Bank, brings nearly a decade of experience working with corals and other cnidarians in the aquarium industry. Today, she applies that expertise to cutting-edge coral conservation and restoration efforts designed to help these essential ecosystems persist for generations to come.

Together, they’ll give YOCS participants a look at how genetics, research, and conservation are coming together to protect some of our most important marine species.

📅 September 12, 2026
📍 Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL

Register today at yocs.org/2026-summit to explore the science behind conservation! 🌊

09/01/2026

Meet the Speakers: Predator Perspectives!

What can we learn from some of the most misunderstood animals on Earth?

In Predator Perspectives, YOCS participants will dive into the science and conservation behind two groups of powerful predators - sharks and crocodilians - and explore why protecting these species matters for healthy ecosystems. 🌊

🦈 Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist specializing in elasmobranch ecology and evolution, with a focus on smalltooth sawfish and hammerhead sharks. As co-founder and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), she is working to create a more diverse and inclusive future for marine science.

🐊 Savannah Boan is a leading crocodilian advocate and the Crocodilian Enrichment Coordinator at Gatorland in Orlando. Through her work with Gatorland Global and the broader conservation community, she champions the protection of alligators, crocodiles, and Florida wildlife - while helping people better understand these incredible animals.

🌎 Joe Wasilewski brings decades of experience in biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and natural history. A member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and Iguana Specialist Group, Joe has worked on crocodilian research and conservation around the world and has served as a consultant for major wildlife and natural history productions.

Together, they’ll give YOCS participants a chance to look beyond the fascination surrounding these predators and discover the science, ecology, and conservation challenges that shape their future.

Come see predators from a whole new perspective. Register today at yocs.org/2026-summit 🦈🐊

08/30/2026

🐋 MEET THE SPEAKERS: Marine Mammal Mysteries 🐋 Ever wondered what it takes to study and protect Florida’s iconic marine mammals? Meet the scientists leading our Marine Mammal Mysteries workshop track at !

🔹 Jennifer Johnson is a Staff Biologist with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Manatee Conservation Research Program. She has been part of the program since 2007, studying manatees through photo-identification, genetic sampling, behavioral studies, habitat monitoring, and hands-on conservation work including rescues, releases, and tracking.

🔹 Carly Baanders-Wingate is a Stranding Biologist with Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program. Her work focuses on marine mammal strandings and the Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection, helping uncover what we can learn from the lives - and remains - of these incredible animals.

Together, Jennifer and Carly will lead Summit participants through Marine Mammal Mysteries, where they’ll investigate the lives and conservation of Florida’s whales and manatees.

This is one of three workshop tracks YOCS participants can choose from when they register - so pick the one that sparks your curiosity!

Ready to dive in? Register join us on Sept 12 at yocs.org/2026-summit!

MoteMarineLab

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717 General Booth Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA
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Website

http://www.yocs.org/

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