CHOW is where our community comes together.
This year marked a special milestone: the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Capitol Hill Ocean Week celebrated its 25th anniversary and America celebrated its 250th!
Maritime heritage took center stage through the theme of Voyages and Breakthroughs. The conference included plenary sessions, film screenings, and partner talks on an array of topics from America’s marine heritage, working waterfronts and seafood, stories of innovation and conservation, and blue technology innovations. Some themes included the potential that we are entering the greatest era of ocean exploration, and how we define our relationship with the ocean and Great Lakes for the next 250 years.
By showcasing the cutting-edge advancements and emerging leaders that are shaping the future of ocean and Great Lakes stewardship, CHOW 2026 spotlighted transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation.
Join us in this moment to launch bold breakthroughs, ignite discovery and secure waters for all.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is grateful for the support of our generous 2026 CHOW sponsors.
About Capitol Hill Ocean Week
Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) is the nation’s premier ocean and Great Lakes policy conference, hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, conservationists, educators, and youth leaders come together to discuss and debate the most significant issues impacting our ocean and Great Lakes, to generate innovative solutions to these challenges and to build networks.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is grateful for the support of our generous CHOW sponsors who help us keep CHOW relevant, free and open to the public.