Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit ​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.

🧬 Meet the Speakers: Blueprints for Biodiversity!What can genetics tell us about the future of coral reefs and sea turtl...
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! 🌊

Meet the Speakers: Predator Perspectives!What can we learn from some of the most misunderstood animals on Earth?In Preda...
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 🦈🐊

🐋 MEET THE SPEAKERS: Marine Mammal Mysteries 🐋 Ever wondered what it takes to study and protect Florida’s iconic marine ...
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

Have an idea for how to make a difference for the ocean? 💡🌊Bring it to the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!The Summit he...
08/23/2026

Have an idea for how to make a difference for the ocean? 💡🌊

Bring it to the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!

The Summit helps young people turn their passion and ideas into real-world conservation action through training, mentorship, networking, and project development.

Join us September 12 at Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota, FL.

Register today at the link in our bio or yocs.org/2026-summit!

Still riding the energy from an epic night in Tampa, FL with and the community! 🌊🎶We’re so grateful to Jack, the Johns...
08/21/2026

Still riding the energy from an epic night in Tampa, FL with and the community! 🌊🎶

We’re so grateful to Jack, the Johnson Ohana Foundation, and All At Once community for the opportunity to join the tour and share the work of the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit - and for the continued support over the past 16 years that has helped make the Summit possible.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth last night to learn more about the Summit, connect with us, and support our work equipping the next generation of ocean conservation leaders to protect our ocean planet.

We’re counting down to Jack Johnson’s Tampa, FL show this Wednesday night! Come find us in the Village Green and connect...
08/18/2026

We’re counting down to Jack Johnson’s Tampa, FL show this Wednesday night! Come find us in the Village Green and connect with the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit! We’ll be there sharing more about YOCS, the opportunities we create for young ocean advocates, and how you can support the next generation of ocean leaders.

The Village Green is where All At Once comes to life - a space to meet local nonprofits, learn about meaningful work happening in your community, and find ways to take action.

Remember right now, your support goes even further: all donations to YOCS are being matched, including gifts made at the concert!

Stop by, say hello, learn more about the Summit, and find out how you can help young people turn their passion for the ocean into action.

See you in the Village Green! 🌴🎶🌊

We’re counting down to Jack Johnson’s Tampa, FL show this Wednesday night! Come find us in the Village Green and connect...
08/18/2026

We’re counting down to Jack Johnson’s Tampa, FL show this Wednesday night! Come find us in the Village Green and connect with the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit! We’ll be there sharing more about YOCS, the opportunities we create for young ocean advocates, and how you can support the next generation of ocean leaders.

The Village Green is where All At Once comes to life - a space to meet local nonprofits, learn about meaningful work happening in your community, and find ways to take action.

Remember right now, your support goes even further: all donations to YOCS are being matched, including gifts made at the concert!

Stop by, say hello, learn more about the Summit, and find out how you can help young people turn their passion for the ocean into action.

See you in the Village Green! 🌴🎶🌊

yocs26

Meet Coco Claypoole, one of YOCS 2026 grant recipients. 🌊As part of her Bubbles of Hope Florida initiative, Coco is mobi...
08/11/2026

Meet Coco Claypoole, one of YOCS 2026 grant recipients. 🌊

As part of her Bubbles of Hope Florida initiative, Coco is mobilizing teen SCUBA divers to remove marine debris from local waters around Sarasota, Florida.

After already removing more than 500 pounds of trash in 2025, the team will use grant support to expand cleanup efforts through the purchase of collection supplies and equipment to better document the impact of their work.

Thank you Coco for being such an empowering teen and helping our environment! 🌎


Meet our 2026 Summit Keynote Speaker - Alex Webster! Alex is an internationally recognized marine researcher, ocean advo...
08/11/2026

Meet our 2026 Summit Keynote Speaker - Alex Webster! Alex is an internationally recognized marine researcher, ocean advocate, and youth leader whose lifelong commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems was shaped by growing up along Florida’s ever-degrading Indian River Lagoon. Throughout middle and high school, Alex conducted cutting-edge research in collaboration with the top oceanographic institutes and universities in Florida, presenting his novel findings around the world. His research centers on identifying and addressing anthropogenic stressors in marine systems to directly influence state legislature and contribute to broader conversations on pollution, ecosystem health, and environmental justice.

Recognizing that conservation requires both science and community, Alex founded My Pet Mangrove, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to coastal restoration and scientific literacy. Under his leadership, the organization mobilized hundreds of volunteers and empowered K–12 students to become active stewards of their local ecosystems through habitat restoration and won the $10,000 Top Honors Award in the 2026 National Geographic Slingshot Challenge. Committed to expanding access to climate and ocean education, Alex works with SubjectToClimate to develop equitable, open-source climate education resources used worldwide. A NOAA Youth Ocean Guardian, Alex has been invited to speak globally as a leading youth voice in marine sustainability, advocating for ocean protection, science-based decision-making, and access to research opportunities.

Currently, Alex is furthering his education as a John V. Lombardi Scholar at the University of Florida Honors Program, majoring in Marine Science to earn a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, striving to pursue a PhD in Marine Ecotoxicology. Through research, advocacy, and mentorship, Alex Webster continues to redefine youth leadership—demonstrating that transformative ocean solutions can begin at any age.

Join Alex and our incredible lineup of speakers at this year’s Summit on September 12 - register today at yocs.org/2026-summit!

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!Join young ocean advocates for a day of inspiration, h...
08/07/2026

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!

Join young ocean advocates for a day of inspiration, hands-on learning, and action to protect our blue planet!

🗓️ September 12, 2026
🌊 Mote Science Education Aquarium | Sarasota, FL

Whether you’re launching your first conservation project or growing an existing effort, YOCS provides the tools, connections, and support to help turn your ideas into impact.

Ready to make a difference? We’ll see you at YOCS 2026!

Space is limited! Learn more and register today at yocs.org/2026-summit or the link in our bio.

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