Ocean Conservancy at Our Ocean

10^th Our Ocean Conference

Since 2014, Our Ocean conferences have invited world leaders to come together and deliver high-level commitments that transform the challenges ahead into an opportunity for cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ocean Conservancy is attending the 10^th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, Korea, from April 28 – 30, 2025 to work on the ocean’s greatest challenges from climate change to ghost fishing gear and ocean plastic pollution.

Our Delegation

• Janis Searles Jones, CEO
• Barbara ‘Wáahlaal Gidaak Blake, Vice President, Arctic & Northern Waters 
• Chris Dorsett, Vice President Conservation Policy and Programs 
• Scott Highleyman, Senior Advisor 
• Becca Robbins Gisclair, Senior Director Arctic & Northern Waters
• Luis Estévez-Salmerón, Associate Director, International Government Relations 
• Shamini Selvaratnam, Director, International Climate and Clean Energy 
• Alex Shahbazi, Senior Manager, Arctic & Northern Waters
• Patricia Chambers, Digital Manager, Arctic & Northern Waters

For media inquiries, contact Madeline Black at [email protected].

Our Events 

Our event times are listed in KST. 

Integrating Offshore Wind and Marine Biodiversity in Asia
April 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
Janis Searles Jones is speaking and Shamini Selvaratnam is moderating
Offshore wind (OSW) development is rapidly gaining traction in Asia, driven by ambitious renewable energy goals and the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels. Coordinated efforts to harmonize environmental standards and share best practices can unlock the region’s OSW potential while protecting its marine ecosystems. This workshop will serve as a platform for stakeholders to address the unique regional dynamics and develop actionable strategies to advance responsible offshore wind development.
By invitation only 

Who Owns Marine Litter? Tackling Legal Barriers to Clean-ups  
April 28 from 4:20 – 5:50 p.m.
Chris Dorsett is speaking 
Abandoned fish farms are environmental ticking bombs, but legal ownership disputes delay cleanup efforts. This session explores how these challenges hinder action, allowing pollution to spread, and examines solutions to overcome these barriers for cleaner oceans.

Taking the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement from Theory to Practice: Implementing Commitments for Science and Indigenous Knowledge
April 29 from 12:50 – 2:20 p.m.
Scott Highleyman is moderating
Delegates from parties will release summary recommendations and discuss progress to date on breathing life into innovative commitments made in CAOFA, gaps in practice that still need filling, and lessons useful for future international application.

Protecting the Ocean Twilight Zone: Driving Global Action for Climate Stability, Biodiversity, and a Healthy Ocean  
April 30 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Chris Dorsett is speaking 
Delegates from parties will release summary recommendations and discuss progress to date on breathing life into innovative commitments made in CAOFA, gaps in practice that still need filling, and lessons useful for future international application.

Melting North, Changing South:  How Climate Impacts Connect the Arctic Ocean and Jeju Sea
April 30 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
‘Wáahlaal Gidaag is speaking
Science, conservation and Indigenous leaders will discuss innovative solutions emerging from shared climate stresses to the ocean that connects us all, including a new international agreement to protect the Central Arctic Ocean and expanded MPA proposals for the Jeju Sea.

Empowering Citizens through Data Science for a Cleaner Ocean
April 30 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Janis Searles Jones and Chris Dorsett is speaking 
The side event aims to explore innovative solutions for addressing marine pollution by leveraging big data and citizen science while promoting the integration of digital technologies to enhance public participation in marine conservation efforts. The event will assist in strengthening collaborations, offering actionable strategies for sustainable marine conservation, and emphasizing the role of advanced technologies in ensuring an effective and enforceable treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastics.

From International Policy to Local Efforts: Concrete Actions to Address the Global Ghost Gear Challenge
April 30 from 12:40 – 2:10 p.m.
Janis Searles Jones and Chris Dorsett is speaking
This side event aims to highlight concrete actions addressing the deadliest form of plastic pollution, ghost fishing gear, focusing on innovative solutions to prevent, mitigate and remove the impacts of this growing threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. We will showcase efforts from governments, private sector, NGOs, and local communities working to combat this issue. 

Coexisting at Sea: Offshore Wind and Sustainable Futures for Fisheries and Communities
April 30 12:40 – 2:10 p.m.
Shamini Selvaratnam is speaking
As the global community rallies to combat climate change, offshore wind energy is emerging as a cornerstone of large-scale renewable energy deployment. It holds tremendous potential to drive a just and sustainable transition to a thriving blue economy. This event explores how offshore wind can be explored in harmony with other ocean users, particularly fisheries and coastal communities, through positive collaboration with local communities, effective marine spatial planning and other measures.