CHOW Agenda | Sponsors | Honorary Congressional Committee | Leadership Awards Dinner | Event Calendar

Capitol Hill Ocean Week events

Monday, June 7

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Sanctuaries in 2025: The Promise of America's Underwater Treasures
This panel session will demonstrate the relevance of National Marine Sanctuaries in tackling the significant ocean challenges our nation will face by 2025.
Capitol Visitor Center

Tuesday, June 8

9:00-10:00 a.m. AZA Breakfast Briefing: The Wildlife Rescue Efforts of Zoos and Aquariums in Response to the Gulf Oil Spill
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is threatening sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals; learn how members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have responded to this disaster with resources and expertise. This briefing will feature national and Gulf region experts who will provide up-to-date information from the front lines of the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation effort. Contact Linda Cendes to RSVP.
The Rayburn House Office Building, Room B339

10:00-10:45 a.m. IOOS Breakfast Reception: "First Ocean Crossing of an Unmanned, Underwater Robot"
Scott Glenn will highlight the first ocean crossing of an unmanned, underwater robot through the eyes of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). The briefing will discuss what the mission means for the future of ocean observations and predictions, understanding climate change, and its applications for marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Meeting Room South

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CHOW Opening Keynote Session
Reserve Officers Association Building

12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CHOW Lunch
Boxed lunch items served in a reusable bag will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve Officers Association Building

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. CHOW A Current Snapshot: The United States' Energy Needs and Supply Chain
Reserve Officers Association Building

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. MPA Center and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announcements on Capitol Hill
The NOAA MPA Center and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will announce the recipients of the newly established MPA Partnership Grants (a partnership of the MPA Center and NFWF) and the 29 MPAs now joining the national system of MPAs.
Senate Russell Building, Room 253

6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. NMSF Leadership Awards Dinner
Honoring Congresswomen Lois Capps and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen with Leadership Awards, Julie Packard with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and a National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer of the Year
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. COSEE/Smithsonian Ocean Science Lecture Series
Brave New Ocean, a talk by Dr. Jeremy Jackson, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, on ocean biodiversity loss
Baird Auditorium (Ground Floor), National Museum of Natural History

Wednesday, June 9

8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Forum on Earth Observations IV: "Climate, Energy, and National Security: Meeting the Environmental Challenge"
This one-day conference will bring together key government representatives, leading entrepreneurs, and innovators to raise the visibility of the need to better adapt to climate change through sustained measurements and information; it will bring together those who develop the tools to monitor the planet with those who need and use the information to manage it. Attendees must register ($299 for government employees; $399 for general public).
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. CHOW Energy Mix: Impacts on Ocean and Coastal Resources
Reserve Officers Association Building

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. CHOW Implications of Today's Energy Choices for Ocean Users and Coastal Communities
Reserve Officers Association Building

12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. CHOW Traditional Ocean Energy: Offshore Oil and Gas
Lunch session: Boxed lunch items served in a reusable bag will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve Officers Association Building

2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. CHOW Energy from an Ocean in Motion
Reserve Officers Association Building

6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. NOAA Fish Fry
Enjoy a wide variety of fish prepared by guest chefs from all over the country, side dishes, dessert, beer, wine, soft drinks, and entertainment. Tickets are $25.
Herbert C. Hoover Building, Cafeteria & Courtyard

Thursday, June 10

9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. CHOW Ocean Energy Sources on the Horizon
Reserve Officers Association Building

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. CHOW Congressional Initiatives: Policy for a Healthy Ocean and Clean Energy Future
Reserve Officers Association Building

12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. CHOW Overcoming Barriers and Offering Incentives: Ocean Energy's Infrastructure, Regulatory, and Financing Needs
Lunch session: Boxed lunch items served in a reusable bag will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve Officers Association Building

2:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Final Keynote
Reserve Officers Association Building

3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. CHOW Ocean and Energy Policy in a Changing Arctic
Reserve Officers Association Building

4:30 p.m.-4:40 p.m. CHOW Closing Remarks
Reserve Officers Association Building

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Walter B. Jones Memorial and NOAA Excellence Awards
Congressman Walter B. Jones, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and Sarah Cooksey will present the awards. Contact Patmarie Nedelka to RSVP.
The Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-369

Friday, June 11

6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Savoring Sustainable Seafood VIP Reception
Mingle with DC area chefs and some of this country's top winery owners as you enjoy a cocktail created for this occasion, sip on a selection of fine wines, and savor seafood delicacies in the intimate setting of the Winston Gallery. Tickets are $150 for members and $175 for general admission.
National Museum of Natural History

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Savoring Sustainable Seafood General Reception
Savor a wide variety of sustainable seafood, American Rhone wines, and artisanal cheeses and meet more than 30 of Washington's best-known chefs who have created succulent seafood specialties just for you. Tickets are $90 for members and $125 for general admission.
National Museum of Natural History

Saturday, June 12

9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Savoring Sustainable Seafood Breakfast and Panel Discussions: Understanding Sustainability
Enjoy a sustainable seafood buffet breakfast followed by lively panel discussions featuring science, conservation, and culinary experts who explore the connection between a healthy ocean and the seafood that we eat. Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for general admission.
National Museum of Natural History

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Beaches, Blue Crabs, and Bacteria Family Event
Before you make your summer vacation plans, spend a day at the Koshland Science Museum exploring why clean beaches are important for human health and the environment. Hands-on activities will give visitors the opportunity to explore beach ecosystems and the factors that contribute to beach contamination. Sanctuary Sam will also make an appearance.
Koshland Science Museum

To have your ocean-related event included on this calendar, please contact Sarah van Schagen by phone (301) 608-3040 ext 5 or email.