2026 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum

The 2026 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum convened more than 100 participants from federal and state agencies, Tribal governments, academia, NGOs, industry, and regional organizations, with most attendees participating in person in Virginia Beach. The three-day event created space for regional coordination, information exchange, and strategic discussion on emerging ocean and coastal issues across the Mid-Atlantic.

Day 1 focused on facilitated working sessions organized around priority ocean planning topics. Participants engaged directly with experts, agency staff, and stakeholders to discuss regional coordination needs, emerging management challenges, data and information gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Discussions emphasized the importance of continued federal-state coordination, proactive regional engagement, and cross-sector information sharing on issues including ocean-rooted coastal hazards, seafloor planning, and fishery management data. Day 1 concluded with an in-person meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Tribal Caucus.

Day 2 began with a keynote speech from Virginia’s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. Sessions featured plenary presentations and panel discussions examining existing and emerging challenges facing the Mid-Atlantic ocean ecosystem and ocean economy. Speakers highlighted evolving federal priorities, regional planning considerations, data needs, and the importance of coordinated ocean management. Participants exchanged perspectives across sectors and identified areas where stronger regional coordination and clearer communication could improve decision-making and implementation.

Browse videos of the panels and presentations below.

Speaker: David L. Bulova, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia

Participants examined emerging marine minerals activity in the Mid-Atlantic, improved understanding of available data and resources, assessed current information-sharing practices, and identified opportunities to strengthen engagement in decision-making processes through a series of technical presentations and facilitated discussion. Moderator: Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Speakers:
Kerby Dobbs, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (presentation)
David Hawkins, P.G., Virginia Department of Energy
Laura Brothers, PhD, United States Geological Survey

Panel of regional funders and researchers discussing funding priorities, desired outcomes, and how coordination across programs strengthens regional impact and aligns with ocean planning needs. Moderator: Julia Dumbroski, Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative (RWSC).
Speakers:
Vicki Ferrini, Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Kevin Hassell, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Discussion highlighting the shellfish sector as a driver of coastal economies, workforce development, and community well-being, and how coordinated investment in science, people, and partnerships can strengthen the regional ocean economy. Moderator: Kristi Lieske, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DE DNREC).
 
Speakers:
Kevin Madley, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Ellen Rowe, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Muhammad Taky Tahmid, University of Delaware
Daphne Munroe, Rutgers University

Facilitated panel featuring maritime industry leaders and professionals examining the intersection of commercial expansion and navigational safety. Through operational perspectives, real-world challenges, and lessons learned, the discussion grounds regional coordination efforts in on-the-water experience and fosters direct dialogue with decision-makers. Moderator: Jefferson Flood, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.
Speakers:
Captain Whiting Chisman, Virginia Pilot Association
Captain Peggy Britton, United States Coast Guard
Keith B. Lockwood, United States Army Corps of Engineers

Facilitated synthesis discussion addressing economic drivers, conservation priorities, and the value of regional planning, followed by closing remarks and next steps. Moderator: Tony MacDonald, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) & Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI)
Speakers:
Kristi Lieske, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
Jamie Carter, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Beth Roach, Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia
Diandre’ Richie, Duke University
Captain Frank Rabena, Virginia Pilot Association

Day 3 convened the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC), MARCO leadership, and invited partners for a focused strategic discussion. Participants synthesized key themes and input from the Forum, identified shared priorities, and discussed opportunities to strengthen regional coordination moving forward. Discussions reinforced the need for continued collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors and highlighted the value of maintaining regular regional dialogue on rapidly evolving ocean and coastal issues.

Input gathered throughout the Forum will help inform future Mid-A OPC and MARCO work plan priorities, shape regional coordination efforts, and support continued collaboration on ocean planning and coastal management across the Mid-Atlantic region.