Program
Schedule
Featured Speakers
Joseph Dituri, PhD, CDR
a.k.a Dr. Deep Sea
Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
Amy Siuda, PhD
Associate Professor of Marine Science, Eckerd College
Courtney Wright
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
Florida Representative Lindsay Cross
District 60
Dan Xie
Student PIRGs National Political Director
John Parkinson, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of South Florida
Hunter Miller
Field Campaigns Manager, Oceana
Alan Franck, PhD
Florida Museum of Natural History
Jenna Byrne
Founder and President of Byrne Ocean Conservation and the Water Warrior Alliance
Capt. Sean Messer
Eco-Tour Captain for Tampa Bay Watch
Dana Donkle
Featured marine conservation artist
Caulin Donaldson
a.k.a @trashcaulin
Environmental Influencer
Mia McCormick
Environment Florida Advocate
Monica Wilson, PhD
Florida Sea Grants Coastal Debris Project Coordinator for Operation TRAP
Tommy Tucker
Marine Biologist & Conservation Artist
Joe Murphy
Wildlife Policy Specialist, National Wildlife Federation
Devon Francke
Education Manager, Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Jeff Berardelli
Chief Meteorologist and Climatologist, WFLA News Channel 8
Madison Wurthner
Scubanauts International, Steinbrenner High School Environmental Club
Brian Barnes - University of South Florida
Research Assistant Studying Sargassum seaweed
Phil Gravinese
Assistant Professor of Marine Science at Eckerd College
Matthew Freeman
PhD. Economic Analyst for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Stephanie Jones
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Brianna Varner
Tampa Bay Watch Social Media Coordinator
Shannon Gowans, PhD
Professor of Marine Science & Biology, Eckerd College
Maya Burke
Assistant Director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Max Chesnes
Environmental Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
Matthew R. Anderson
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Indian River Lagoon Aquatics Preserve Manager
Kelly McAdams, PhD
Vice President of Conservation Education at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Jasmin Graham
President/CEO Minorities in Shark Sciences
Session Topics
Heat Effects on Corals & Anemones
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Marine Protected Areas
Sharks in Red Tide
Saving Florida’s Endangered Whales
Estuary Restoration
Citizen Science Solutions to Microplastics
Environmental Filmmaking, Journalism & Messaging
Plastic Discoveries in In-shore Birds
New Technologies in Ocean Field Work
Workshop Topics
Achieving A Plastic-Free Campus
Reducing Plastic in Your Community
Ocean Advocacy 101
Waterfront Cleanup with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
“Salty Science” onboard the Tampa Bay Watch Eco Vessel
Artivism
Communication & Media for Your Cause
Build a Vertical Oyster Garden
Panels
Effects of Climate Change on Our Oceans
Florida’s coasts are already feeling the effects of climate change. This panel will discuss the latest effects a warming atmosphere is having on our wildlife and coastal species.
Florida’s At-Risk Species
From whales to manatees to smalltooth sawfish, learn about the latest threats to some of our most at-risk species.
Plastic Threats to Our Oceans
We know plastic is a problem, but what can we do about it? Let’s discuss ideas on tackling microplastic and plastic pellets, utilizing water goats and removing marine debris in your community.
How to Talk about Climate with Storytelling Tools and Effective Messaging
This panel of dynamic content creators will discuss everything from how to start a conversation to creating meaningful content on climate issues that drives change.
Building Resilience through Sustainability and Blue Economy
We can create a more resilient and sustainable ocean if we understand how to plan our lives, work and communities in ways that nurture nature instead of destroying it.
Featured Spaces
Seas of Discovery Student Projects
Have a cool ocean conservation project and want others to join in? Do you have a great research project you want to share with others in the same field? The student project space is a great way to show off something you're working on and get feedback from some of the top conservationists and researchers in the state!
SeaChange Networking Space
Learn about job, internship and volunteer opportunities within the conservation space. Local groups and organizations dedicated to ocean and wildlife conservation will have tables where you can learn more.
Artivism
Pop-up exhibits of ocean conservation art.
"Turtleloupe" by Dana Donkle