2026 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum

MARCO convened its Eighth Annual Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum on May 4–6 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The free and public event featured interactive discussions, expert presentations and informal networking opportunities and demonstrations focusing on ocean initiatives in the Mid-Atlantic region.

To engage the diverse interests in the region and enhance the vitality of the region’s ocean ecosystem and economy, the MARCO states and a partnership of federal agencies, Tribal entities and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council formed the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC). The committee convenes the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum annually as a venue for regional information sharing, coordination and collaboration, and to enhance the region’s ability to leverage existing efforts and information across multiple state and federal government agencies, federally-recognized tribes, non-governmental entities and ocean stakeholders.

Goal: Provide a forum for Mid-Atlantic ocean and coastal stakeholders to learn from one another, discuss emerging ocean challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination, partnership, and targeted investment that strengthen regional ocean planning and decision-making.

Objectives: 

Questions? Email: events@midatlanticocean.org.

Monday, May 4

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Coffee

9:30 - 9:45 AM | Welcome & Overview
Opening remarks provided an overview of Day 1 objectives, emphasizing the role of work groups in advancing priority Mid-Atlantic ocean planning issues and connecting discussions to Day 2 plenary sessions and Day 3 leadership dialogue. Event Moderator: Avalon Bristow, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)

9:45  - 11:30 AM | Coastal Hazards & Resilience Network

This inaugural in-person meeting refined the Network’s structure and establish near- and long-term goals. Participants identified priorities for 2026–2027 and shape the scope, focus, and operating approach moving forward. Moderator: Jes Watts, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch & Demonstrations
Working lunch with time set aside for informal networking, alongside poster presentations, demonstration tables, and a Tools Café available for participants to explore at their own pace.

1:00 - 2:45 PM | Seafloor Planning
States worked together to develop a regional understanding of seafloor mapping priorities following Portal Survey Tool input and early 2026 state engagement. The session identified next steps for coordination with federal agencies and partners. Moderator: Vicki Ferrini, Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

2:45 -3:00 PM | Break

3:00 - 5:00 PM | Fishery Data Working Session
Focused working session on fish habitat mapping and development of decision-ready EFH and FHOC data products. Discussion includes governance, methodology, integration challenges, funding needs, and future updates to ensure scientific credibility and usability. Moderator: Jay Odell, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)

3:00 - 5:00 PM | MARCO Mid-Atlantic Tribal Caucus – Closed Session
Closed convening to discuss shared priorities, perspectives, and coordination needs related to regional ocean planning. Moderator: Heather Sagar, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) & Karl Vilacoba, MARCO Ocean Data Portal

Wrap Up
Brief summary of key themes emerging from Day 1 discussions and preview of how these inputs would inform Day 2 plenary sessions.

5:30 - 7:30 PM | Optional After-Hours Event
Join us for a beach clean-up following the day’s sessions.
Check-in Location: Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Conveniently located on 24th Street between the two room-block hotels, with several nearby parking garages and an easy walk from either hotel. Note: The Museum may be open for participants during check-in. We’re grateful to our partners at Clean Virginia Waterways for hosting this event. Be sure to check out their display table during lunch.
 

Tuesday, May 5
 
8:15 - 9:00 AM | Registration & Coffee

9:00 - 9:45 AM | Opening Remarks & Keynote Address
Welcome and event overview. Event Moderator: Avalon Bristow, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)
Host state opening remarks. Speaker: Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Keynote address. Speaker: David L. Bulova, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia

9:45 – 11:00 AM | Marine Minerals Exploration
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

11:00 – 11:15 AM | Break

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Coordinated Regional Investments in Ocean and Coastal Work
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:
Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Kevin Hassell, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

12:15 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Demonstrations
Networking lunch with demonstration tables and poster presentations.

1:30 – 2:50 PM | Regional Ocean Economy: Shellfish Industry
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

2:50 – 3:00 PM | Break

3:00 – 4:00 PM |  Maritime Commerce & Navigation Safety
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

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Closing Panel & Remarks
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

6:00 PM | Optional After-Hours Event
Join us for a ViBe Creative District meet-up and dinner.
Organized by Christina Trapani, Executive Director of Clean Virginia Waterways, this informal outing included a mural walking tour through the ViBe Creative District, followed by a casual restaurant meet-up.

Wednesday, May 6

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee - Closed Session
Day 3 was a half-day, closed session for federal and state agency representatives and members of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee. Participants reviewed Committee priorities, reflected on insights from the Forum, and identified next steps for coordination.