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 Interactive Sessions
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 Topical Presentations and Panel Discussions
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.
Day 3 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee Strategic Session
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.
