"The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit inspired me to take action because I was encouraged by the other teenagers my age who made a positive impact in their communities. Going to the Summit gave me the extra push I needed to start creating real change."
                                                                                      - Annie M., Seattle Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni

​1,485
Since 2011, over 1,485 young people have been empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to protect our blue planet by participating in the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit program. 

​"By participating in the summit every year since 2013, I am constantly reminded that youth taking action is highly important and that we are able to get our voices heard." 
                         - Keyla C., YOCS alumni

$18,500
Since 2012, over 100 grants totaling over $18,500 have been provided to directly fund youth driven ocean conservation projects planned by young people attending Youth Ocean Conservation Summits, in partnership with the Johonson Ohana  Foundation, Disney, the Nature Conservancy's Gulf of Mexico Program, Klean Kanteen, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, the Fishes Wishes, the Seattle Aquarium, and the International Ocean Institute-USA. 

​12
Since 2011, Mote Marine Laboratory has hosted the annual Youth Ocean Conservation Summit in Sarasota, FL while teams of youth and adults at aquariums, universities, and conservation organizations have launched satellite Summits in eleven additional U.S. cities to date - bringing this program to young people across the country.

​8,400+
Over 8,400 volunteer hours have been contributed by Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni receiving mini-grants to support their work - leading conservation efforts focused on habitat restoration, political advocacy, marine debris prevention, water quality, endangered species conservation, and environmental education. 

6
Since it's launch in 2011, the Youth Ocean Conservation Team e-newsletter has reached youth and adults on six continents, sharing opportunities and resources to support the work of young conservation leaders protecting our blue planet. 

"Inspiration is around every corner at the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit. Personally, I found it in the amazing scientists and conservationists who are in attendance at the Summit as guest speakers or workshop leaders. There is so much to learn from the great minds that are working in the field of ocean conservation and marine research."
                                                                                 ​- Monica H., Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni