With the Working Summit at capacity, main stage sessions will stream free; public events feature Emmy-winning chef Andrew Zimmern; Zach Gill and Adam Topol (Jack Johnson’s band); Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket); and 2026 TIME Trailblazer Erika Woolsey
The inaugural California Ocean Summit today announced free livestreaming of its Working Summit Main Stage sessions, in addition to a full slate of ocean-themed film, music, storytelling, and hands-on experiences that open the ocean conversation to students, families, and the broader community on December 9-10, 2026.
The Summit is designed to move ocean leadership forward across interconnected outcomes: shaping California’s future ocean policy, investing in the next generation of ocean innovation, and advancing a shared Declaration for Ocean Stewardship.
While the Working Summit convenes ocean leaders to drive forward meaningful action toward ocean health, this public programming invites the people of Santa Barbara and beyond to build a deeper connection to California’s coast and ocean ecosystems and to see the role each of us can play in a more resilient future.
“We designed this conference to bring together diverse perspectives around ocean health,” noted Laura Francis, Founder of Sea Forward Fund and Summit Steering Committee Member. “Not only are we putting leaders together who normally aren’t in the same room, we’re inviting the community to join in the conversation as well. From a concert in a kelp forest projection to a library with touch tanks, we built these experiences so that anyone can step into the story of California’s ocean.”
Public Programming Highlights
The lineup is still evolving, and current highlights are listed below. For the latest on schedule, ticket information, and updates, visit calocean.org/public-programming.
David Attenborough’s OCEAN with live score by Santa Barbara Symphony
Weds. December 9, 2026 | 7:00p.m. | Granada Theatre
Limited tickets available through UCSB Arts & Lectures
Hosted by UC Santa Barbara’s Arts & Lectures, the event turns a film into a shared multi-sensory experience and sets the tone for a week built to bring the ocean to everyone.
Ocean Stories & Hands On Activities for All Ages
Thurs. December 10, 2026 | 10a.m. – 6 p.m. | Santa Barbara Public Library
Free; open to the public; Full schedule to be announced at calocean.org/public-programming
- Andrew Zimmern screening & book signing. The Emmy-winning chef, TV host, author, and sustainable food advocate will hold a conversation with Executive Producer Jennifer Bushman following a preview of Hope in the Water Season 2, putting the future of seafood on the table. He will also sign copies of The Blue Food Cookbook, available for purchase at the event.
- Ocean comeback stories on the big screen. A series of documentary films bring the ocean and its protectors vividly to life. Adam Ernster’s Battle of the Blues highlights blue whale conservation efforts in Southern California. Kelp forest restoration comes alive in Jim Knowlton’s Harvest to Heal, featuring the project led by Kim Selkoe, Ph.D., of Commercial Fisherman of Santa Barbara. The award-winning Sequoias of the Sea also looks at the impact of kelp forest loss, complemented by a deep dive conversation with co-directors Natasha Benjamin and Ana Blanco, alongside journalist and scuba diver David Helvarg and local urchin diver Trent Pettersen. The new World Wildlife Fund short Sea to Farm traces seaweed from Indigenous communities and coastal growers to scientists and farmers testing seaweed-based products in real-world conditions.
- Book signings & giveaways. Forest of the Sea by David Helvarg will be available for purchase and signing, and the illustrator of children’s book Dreams of a Scientist: Lessons from the Sea will be on site to sign copies. Families can also receive a free signed copy of Blair Williamson’s award-winning The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef.
- Touch tanks run by students. Students from Cabrillo High School’s Lompoc Aquarium program host outdoor touch tanks.
- Young changemakers in the spotlight. Local student environmental groups showcase their work and impact in the community.
- Children’s story time. Live book readings, ocean-themed movement, and a screening of Not Just Water, a short documentary about youth access to the ocean, followed by a conversation with Sea League Executive Director Chris Ragland.
A Night Inside Channel Islands Kelp Forest with Zach Gill & Friends
Thursday, December 10 | 8:30 p.m. | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
Tickets available through SoHO
Zach Gill (Jack Johnson’s band piano and ALO) leads a night of ocean-themed music with Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Adam Topol, (Jack Johnson’s band drummer), and other surprise guests.
Immersive projections from 2026 TIME Trailblazer Erika Woolsey’s project, The Hydrous, will bring Channel Island kelp forests alive in the room, wrapping the audience in the ecosystem the Summit is working to protect. Attendees can take part in an optional immersive VR headset experience.
Working Summit Livestream Highlights
The Working Summit is now at capacity, and due to this high demand and general positive public response, organizers have added a free livestream option to allow the general public to watch main stage programming from the Working Summit on December 9-10.
“The future of our ocean will be shaped by policymakers, scientists, and communities working together toward a shared vision,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart, who helped spearhead the Summit alongside Francis. “Through public cultural programming and livestreaming opportunities, we’re giving more people a seat at the table and an opportunity to engage in the conversations shaping our ocean’s future. The ocean belongs to everyone, and so does the California Ocean Summit.”
Anyone across the globe who wants to tune in can hear from top ocean leaders across science, policy, philanthropy, investment, conservation, and the arts, including:
- Summit MC Michelle Li, founder of Clever Carbon and co-founder of Women and Climate
- Keynote Dawn Wright, Esri Chief Scientist and the first Black person to dive to Challenger Deep—the deepest known point on Earth in the Mariana Trench.
- Keynote Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency
The still evolving list of main stage speakers and panelists also includes:
- Rosanna Xia, award-winning author, documentary filmmaker and environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times, CA Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Laura Francis of Sea Forward Fund, Tom Quigley of Superorganism, Peter Bryant of Builder’s Vision, Dr. Cat Burns of NatureVest at The Nature Conservancy, Matthew Stotts of Cerulean Ventures, Gracie White of Conservation International Ventures, Robert Mazurek of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council.
Other Ways to Participate
The public can join the mailing list at calocean.org for programming announcements and ticket updates.
Volunteers are also needed to help bring the Summit to life. Those interested can sign up at calocean.org by filling out the form under FAQs: How can I volunteer at the California Ocean Summit?
Partners and Sponsors
The California Ocean Summit is supported by a growing coalition of organizations and individuals committed to advancing ocean stewardship across California and beyond.
The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation and Sea Forward Fund serve as Ocean Visionary Presenting Philanthropic Partners, whose leadership makes the Summit possible. The Summit also received generous contributions from the Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Fearless Advocacy, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Sonos, Yardi, Alante Capital, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), Deckers Brands, Heal the Ocean, MarBorg Industries, Port of Hueneme, Port of Long Beach, Port of San Diego, Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, Santa Barbara Zoo, STAX Engineering, and Peter Schuyler & Lisa Stratton.
Community partners provide programming, venues, and logistical support that shape the Summit’s experience, including UC Santa Barbara, UCSB Arts & Lectures, UCSB Bren School for Environmental Science & Management, UCSB Marine Science Institute, UCSB Natural Reserve System, Cerulean Ventures, City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department, Community Environmental Council, the Cultured Abalone Farm, Environmental Defense Center, Erika Woolsey and the Hydrous Project, Gaviota Coast Conservancy, Island Packers, Laura and Jack Dangermond Preserve, MESA Ocean Florals, The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Rainforest, Rancho Tajiguas Preserve, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and Santa Barbara Public Library.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities remain available. Organizations interested in supporting the California Ocean Summit are encouraged to visit calocean.org/sponsors or contact info@calocean.org.
About the California Ocean Summit
The California Ocean Summit is a global convening advancing ocean stewardship through science, policy, philanthropy, investment, conservation, and culture. With its inaugural event taking place December 9–11, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California, the Summit exists to align leadership, funding, innovation, and policy around practical, scalable solutions for ocean health and coastal resilience. Learn more at calocean.org.
Media Contact
Nicole Wald
California Ocean Summit – PR Strategist
(805) 636-6327
