Coastal America sponsored Student Ocean Conferences hosted at CELCs around the country from 2002 to 2005. Each conference was unique to its regional issues. Highlights included interaction with local federal agency professionals involved in marine management, conservation, and sanctuaries; discussion sessions for students to relate their own experiences and insights; and a session with a leader in regional or national marine conservation issues, in most cases Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Student Ocean Conferences were funded by the National Geographic Society"s (NGS) Geographic Education Foundation in collaboration with the Sustainable Seas Expedition (SSE), and federal partner agencies.

The Student Ocean Conferences have continued via private funding at many CELCs. These regional conferences culminated in a National Student Summit in 2004 and 2006.

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  Seattle Aquarium

   

  New England Aquarium

   

  The Florida Aquarium

   

  Texas State Aquarium

   

  Hatfield Marine Science Center

   

  Mystic Aquarium

   

  Alaska SeaLife Center

   

  Monterey Bay Aquarium

   

  Aquarium of the Pacific