Empowering the next generation of ocean conservationists.

​Around the world, our ocean and its inhabitants face many challenges. As human impacts continuously threaten the health of our marine ecosystems, both locally and globally, it is imperative that we involve youth in a campaign to solve these problems.

The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, launched in 2011 and held annually at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, as well as satellite locations around the world, provides youth participants the opportunity to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally.

Through the event, participants are also inspired by their peers — youth leaders who are taking immediate action leading projects to protect the ocean. Attendees then collaborate with peers and mentors to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Workshops offered at the summit allow participants to gain the skills necessary to successfully implement conservation projects, teach participants about career opportunities in marine conservation, and expose them to opportunities they can take part in to help protect our planet’s oceans and their inhabitants.

For more information: www.yocs.org

Save the date for our 2024 event

Mote will host the 2024 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit on September 14, 2024. Summit details and registration will be posted in early May.