Connecting Minds, Protecting Oceans
Oceans Week is a dedicated week of events and activities aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation, marine science, and the role of oceans in climate sustainability. It brings together students, faculty, industry professionals, alumni, and environmental advocates to engage in discussions, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on marine research, policy, and career pathways. Through these initiatives, Oceans Week encourages a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems, communities, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect marine life and coastal communities.
Agenda
AI and Applying Machine Learning to Oceans Science
Monday, March 24, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
LSRC A158
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly transforming scientific analysis in various disciplines. This in-person session is led by Henry Sun, an undergraduate senior at Duke researching the use of generative AI to improve automated whale detection capabilities. This 1-hour session will cover foundational concepts in AI, examine and interpret different AI-based methods being applied towards various marine systems and research questions, and provide a brief demonstration of how to implement AI and machine learning-based approaches on a sample dataset. Slides and resources from the session will be made available afterwards.
Policy & Governance for Marine Megafauna Conservation in Latin America
Tuesday, March 25, 11:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
Gross Hall, 100C “The Generator”
This virtual panel will highlight policymakers, government officials, and scientists in Latin America working towards marine megafauna conservation, with a focus on turtles, sharks, rays, and manatees. Panelists César Peñaherrera, Carlos Diez, Nilda Jiménez, Melissa Cristina Márquez, and Carlos Fuentevilla will have the chance to compare and contrast efforts to conserve these awe-inspiring species and discuss policy and governance successes and failures to do so. Lunch provided.
Nicholas School Alumni Career Panel: Deep Dive into Ocean Policy
Wednesday, March 26, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Virtual
The Nicholas School of the Environment’s Career and Professional Development Center is hosting an alumni panel on ocean policy for current Duke University students. Students will have the opportunity to connect and network with industry leaders in the ocean policy space. Panelists include Kimberly Meyers (Carbon Market Policy at The Nature Conservancy), Jill Hamilton (director of Blue Climate Strategy at Conservation International), Amy Kenney (executive director of National Ocean Protection Coalition), and Kate Press (chair of NY State Offshore Wind Environmental Working Group). Contact the Nicholas School Career and Professional Development Center at careers@nicholas.duke.edu with any questions.
Hope in the Water Documentary Screening
Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Field Auditorium, Nicholas School
Meet Jennifer Bushman, co-founder and executive director of the non-profit Fed By Blue, for an exclusive screening and discussion of the PBS documentary Hope in the Water.
Ocean Policy Working Group Marine Plastic Pollution Symposium
Thursday, March 27, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, followed by a networking reception with snacks
LSRC A158
Ocean Policy Working Group is hosting a symposium on Marine Plastic Pollution that will consist of lightning talks, a panel discussion, and a keynote presentation. Speakers include Duke faculty, alumni, and other professionals working to reduce plastic debris in the ocean. Following the symposium, join us for refreshments and a networking reception with the symposium speakers. Careers in Environmental & Marine Science: a speed-networking event
Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Sanford Fleishman Commons
Careers in Environmental & Marine Science, a speed-networking event hosted by Duke Sustainable Ocean Alliance, the Duke University Marine Lab Scholars Program, and Duke Career Center, offers marine-focused students a unique opportunity to connect with experienced alumni in ocean-related fields. Through a series of timed conversations, participants gain valuable insights into diverse career paths, industry trends, and professional growth opportunities in marine science, conservation, policy, and sustainable ocean industries. This fast-paced, interactive event fosters meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing, helping students expand their professional networks. Oceans@Duke Sustainability Summit
Ocean to Table: Climate-Resilient Innovations for Sustainable Blue Foods
Friday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Gross Hall Atrium & Room 103, Duke University
Join Oceans@Duke for our annual Ocean Sustainability Summit, “Ocean to Table: Climate-Resilient Innovations for Sustainable Blue Foods.” This year, the summit brings together experts to discuss innovative ideas how institutions can advance local, regional, and sustainable seafood sourcing to reduce carbon footprints and support coastal community resilience in the face of climate change.
Summit Highlights
- Expert Panel Discussions – Industry leaders will explore sustainable seafood sourcing, supply chain transparency, and the role of institutions in driving change.
- Taste of Traceability – A chef-prepared seafood tasting featuring locally sourced, fully traceable seafood from North Carolina’s coast.
- Innovation Showcase – An interactive expo featuring startups and organizations advancing ocean sustainability.
- Capstone Address – Monica Jain (Fish 2.0) will synthesize key insights and outline pathways for institutional change.
Join us and Be Part of the Conversation
Duke Sustainable Dining is setting an example by encouraging campus restaurants to feature sustainably certified seafood. While this is a positive step, many seafood certifications require a lengthy and costly process, making them inaccessible for local small-scale fisheries and ocean farms. Even if sustainable certified, large-scale certified seafood that may not always be the most climate-friendly option when it has a larger carbon footprint than locally supported seafood. Since the United States has some of the highest sustainability standards globally, with regional fisheries management councils ensuring responsible fisheries, this summit will explore innovative alternatives to industrial seafood certifications. Regional and local experts will provide insights how institutions can build capacity for more climate-friendly seafood supply chains. Using Duke Dining as a case study, the discussion will highlight opportunities to align with the Duke Climate Commitment and position Duke University as a leader in ocean-positive business models that promote a regenerative blue economy. This conversation will serve as a starting point for rethinking sustainability in seafood procurement and identifying practical, scalable solutions for universities and other large institutions.
Contact Us
Reach out to us for inquiries about Duke Oceans Week and ocean sustainability events and collaborations.
Email: dukeoceans@duke.edu
