Science-led Action for a Healthier Ocean
OceanConf exists to turn scientific knowledge into global policy. We bring together the world's leading marine biologists, conservationists, policymakers and ocean advocates every year to share research, forge partnerships and commit to measurable action.
We believe that the ocean crisis demands more than awareness. It demands coordination, evidence, and the political will to act. Every OceanConf conference produces concrete commitments — research grants funded, legislation drafted, ecosystems protected.
Our mission: a world where ocean ecosystems are thriving by 2035, guided by the best science and driven by unified global action.
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make, from programme curation to partnership selection.
Scientific Excellence
We ground every initiative in peer-reviewed research and data-driven evidence, partnering only with institutions that share our commitment to methodological rigour.
Global Collaboration
We believe ocean health requires unified action across borders, disciplines and sectors. No single nation or organisation can solve this alone.
Actionable Impact
Every session, workshop and panel is designed to produce real, measurable outcomes — signed declarations, funded projects, enacted legislation.
A Decade of Ocean Stewardship
From a small symposium of 120 delegates to the world's most influential ocean conservation conference — here's how we got here.
The Beginning
The first OceanConf brought together 120 delegates from 14 countries for a three-day symposium in Lisbon.
Going International
Expanded to three continents and established our first research grants, funding 28 marine science projects.
The Lisbon Declaration
Over 80 countries signed the historic Lisbon Declaration, committing to measurable ocean protection milestones.
Going Digital
Pioneered a hybrid format reaching over 50,000 participants online while maintaining in-person scientific programmes.
OceanConf 2026
Our largest edition yet — 2,400+ attendees, 120 speakers, and a bold new roadmap for ocean protection through 2035.
Meet the Organising Team
Driven by a shared passion for the ocean and backed by decades of expertise across marine science, policy and event management.
Thomas Wei
Communications LeadAward-winning science communicator shaping OceanConf's global media presence and digital strategy.
Dr. Amara Diallo
Research CoordinatorMarine conservationist and data scientist driving OceanConf's evidence-based research agenda.
Carlos Vega
Programme ManagerExpert in large-scale event logistics with a decade of experience coordinating international scientific summits.
Priya Nair
Head of PartnershipsFifteen years building strategic alliances between NGOs, governments and the private sector on ocean policy.
Prof. James Harrington
Scientific ChairProfessor of Marine Biology at the University of Lisbon, specialising in deep-sea ecosystem dynamics.
Dr. Elena Marinescu
Conference DirectorLeading voice in coral reef ecology with 20 years of field research across the Indo-Pacific.
Be Part of the Solution.
Register for OceanConf 2026 and connect with 2,400+ ocean champions from across the globe.
Register for OceanConf 2026