1st National Student Summit on Ocean Issues
January 14–16, 2004

Outcomes | Overview | Presentations | Sponsors | Summit Photos

Outcomes

Students at the Summit agreed to a series of 29 Commitments to Action related to the sustainable use of our ocean and coastal areas.

Commitments to Action (PDF, 38KB)
Summary Report (PDF, 341KB)
Summary Poster (PPT, 2.37MB)

Overview

The National Student Summit on Ocean Issues convened in Washington, D.C., from January 14-16, 2004. The Summit included 100 outstanding high school students, teachers, and marine educators, as well as participation from the White House, the NOAA Science Center, the U.S. Ocean Commission, the National Geographic Society, Coastal America Partners, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Students presented summaries of their regional issues to over 60 science experts at the NOAA Science Center. Repeatedly, the students emphasized the sustainability of fisheries, marine resources, and coral reef ecosystems as major issues facing our Nation.

After hearing regional presentations, the students prepared a national perspective of issues and recommendations. Students presented national concerns to a panel of three U.S. Commissioners on Ocean Policy and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest at a National Geographic Society dinner. The Summit concluded with students presenting personal Commitments to Action to six Coastal America Principals at a White House Ceremony. Other activities included participation in live-interactive learning programs featuring Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary, a presentation of National Geographic's Film, Crittercam, and a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The purpose of the Summit was to develope interest in ocean science among high school students to foster personal stewardship and to provide a student voice in the Ocean Commission's deliberations. The Summit builds upon the success of a number of Regional Student Ocean Conferences that occur around the country at the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers.
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Presentations

Individual presentations from the Student Delegations cover a broad range of ocean issues that affect our country and coastal zone. These presentations are available for download below:

• New England Aquarium – Marine Conservation in New England
• New York Aquarium – Project CLEAN
• National Aquarium in Baltimore – Human Influences on Chesapeake Bay Oyster Populations
• South Carolina Aquarium – Coastal Development
• IGFA – Coastal Development and Florida Fisheries
• The Florida Aquarium – Stormwater Runoff
• Dauphin Island Sea Lab – Coastal Zone Management
• Texas State Aquarium – Estuary Degradation in Texas
• Aquarium of the Pacific – Southern California Ocean Issues
• Monterey Bay Aquarium – Repairing Our Damaged Ecosystem
• Hatfield Marine Science Center – Pacific Northwest Salmon Aquaculture
• Seattle Aquarium – Spartina Invasion
• Alaska SeaLife Center – Bottom Trawling in the Bering
• Waikiki Aquarium – Coral Reefs

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Sponsors

The National Student Summit on Ocean Issues was hosted by:

• The Coastal America Federal Partnership
  • Executive Office of the President
  • Department of Commerce
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • National Science Foundation
  • National Geographic Society

In conjunction with:

• The Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers
  • The Seattle Aquarium
  • Hatfield Marine Science Center
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • Alaska SeaLife Center
  • Waikiki Aquarium
  • Texas State Aquarium
  • Dauphin Island Sea Lab
  • The Florida Aquarium
  • IGFA-Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum
  • The South Carolina Aquarium
  • National Aquarium in Baltimore
  • New York Aquarium
  • The New England Aquarium

With special thanks to the Summit Co-Sponsors:

• Coastal America Foundation
• Consortium for Oceanographic Research & Education
• Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership
• National Oceans Industries Association

Summit Photos