Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) 2009 took place June 9th – 11th in Washington DC. The goal of this year’s CHOW was to highlight the inextricable link between the ocean and our nation’s economy. Given the current state of our economy, the relevance of this year’s ocean week could not be ignored. A variety of notable speakers and experts from academia, industry, and government, including members from both the House and Senate, spent three days not only highlighting the link between the ocean and the economy, but also suggesting tangible ways that sound ocean policies might impact improvements in our economy.

Over 400 people attended the successful three-day symposium, which opened with remarks from NOAA’s newest Administrator, Jane Lubchenco, PhD., and was filled with interesting and thought provoking presentations from speakers and Members of Congress throughout. In her remarks, Dr. Lubchenco made the case that a healthy economy is not something that happens at the expense of a healthy environment, but instead “a healthy environment is a fundamental requirement for a healthy economy.” Whether it is energy, medicine, farming, transportation, or recreation, the impact that the ocean has on our nation’s economy is astounding. To find a complete list of speakers, their biographies, and presentations, click here.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2009 was made possible with support from numerous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Pacific Life. For a complete list of sponsors, click here.

The Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2009 Summary Report is currently being written and will be made available through our website in the coming months. If you would like to be one of the first to receive the 2009 CHOW report in your inbox, click here to sign up.