Day 1
Healthy oceans, healthy economies
Plenaries on ocean economy, working waterfronts, and the next decade of sanctuary science.
Annual policy convening
Capitol Hill Ocean Week
Three days each spring when scientists, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders gather in Washington, DC to set the agenda for America's ocean and Great Lakes.
About CHOW
Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) is the largest annual policy gathering of the ocean and Great Lakes community in the United States. Convened by the Foundation since 2001, CHOW brings together NOAA leadership, members of Congress, sanctuary advocates, scientists, tribal nations, industry partners, and students for three days of plenaries, working sessions, and on-the-Hill engagement.
The convening sets the agenda the National Marine Sanctuary System and its partners will pursue over the coming year — and gives sanctuary advocates a structured way to make their voices heard by federal decisionmakers.
2026 program themes
Day 2
Community-led stewardship
Tribal co-stewardship, citizen science programs, and the new generation of sanctuary advocates.
Day 3
On the Hill
Congressional briefings, advocate meetings with House and Senate offices, and the closing reception.
Partners & co-conveners
- NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Aquarium Conservation Partnership
- Sea Grant Network
- Ocean Conservancy
- Conservation International
What's next?
Be part of the conversation in 2026
CHOW is where sanctuary policy gets shaped. Request the agenda, reserve a virtual seat, or back the convening with a Foundation gift.