Ocean Experts Gather at the State House for Inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day

BOSTON, Mass. (March 31, 2026) — Ocean advocates, scientists, students, and policymakers convened at the Massachusetts State House today for the inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day, a full-day advocacy event focused on some of the most pressing threats facing the state’s coastlines and marine ecosystems. The event was hosted by the New England Aquarium, Environment Massachusetts, Surfrider Massachusetts, MASSPIRG Students, Healthy Ocean Coalition, and Conservation Law Foundation.

**PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE WITH CREDIT TO NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM**

Massachusetts is home to thousands of miles of coastline and a coastal economy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Yet the ocean faces mounting threats from pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Massachusetts Ocean Day offered a rare opportunity to connect frontline research and conservation work directly to the policy conversations shaping the future of the state’s coast and waters. With sessions spanning biodiversity, plastics, coastal resilience, and the blue economy, the day reflects the full scope of what’s at stake—and what coordinated action at the state level can achieve.

The day opened with a keynote address by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea on the Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals, introduced by Rep. Kathleen LaNatra. Rep. Aaron Michlewitz was honored with the inaugural “Ocean Champion Award” in recognition of his leadership on ocean-related legislation.

Participants then engaged in four panel sessions dedicated to biodiversity, the blue economy, coastal resilience, and plastics, reflecting the breadth of ocean policy issues before Massachusetts lawmakers. A visibility event on the grand staircase of the State House at midday drew additional attention to the coalition’s call for coordinated state action. The day closed with a keynote address by Sen. Bruce Tarr.

Dr. Jessica Redfern, Associate Vice President of Ocean Conservation Science in the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, said, “The threats facing our coastlines, from biodiversity loss to plastic pollution, demand coordinated action, and today demonstrated that the will to act is here. We’re proud to have helped convene this coalition and look forward to making this an annual presence at the State House.”

Sophia Naumovski, ocean associate with Environment Massachusetts said, “We are so lucky here in the Bay State to live alongside the ocean, with its breaching whales, soaring seabirds and mesmerizing waves. It’s great to see so many people turn out to learn about the ocean and the problems it faces. There’s a growing wave of people ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work protecting our coast.”

Isabella DeFrancesco, Northeast Regional Manager with the Surfrider Foundation said, “Massachusetts Ocean Day is a reminder that our coastlines aren’t just places we visit—they’re communities we’re responsible for protecting. In my work with the Surfrider Foundation, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people show up—not just to enjoy the ocean, but to protect it. This day is about turning their love into action and making sure our coastlines stay clean, accessible, and resilient for generations to come.”

Olivia McClurken, Save the Whales Campaign Coordinator with MASSPIRG Students at UMass Amherst said, “We’ve seen on campuses from the Berkshires to Boston how much young people care about the life off our coasts. That’s why we’re excited to be here today alongside knowledgeable and passionate people to keep our ocean ecosystems vibrant and plastic-free, our coasts resilient, and our ocean’s future bright.”

Sarah Winter Whelan, Executive Director with Healthy Ocean Coalition said, “I grew up surrounded by corn and soybean fields in the Midwest — and still fell in love with the ocean. Now my children are growing up next to the sea, with a front-row seat to its power and importance. That’s why it’s an honor to take part in the first-ever Massachusetts Ocean Day. Because what we choose to protect today, our children inherit tomorrow.”

Priscilla Brooks, VP for Ocean Conservation with Conservation Law Foundation said, “The ocean off Massachusetts is extraordinary—teeming with a grand diversity of marine life that defines who we are as a state and fuels our economy and way of life. Thank you, Governor Healey, for your bold leadership in launching a groundbreaking biodiversity protection initiative that positions the Commonwealth at the national forefront of ocean restoration and stewardship to ensure that our ocean thrives for generations to come.”

Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Chair of the Coastal Caucus (D-Plymouth) said, “It was inspiring to see so many dedicated voices come together today around a shared goal—protecting the future of our oceans. When we bring science, advocacy, and policymaking to the same table, we create real momentum for meaningful action that will benefit our coastal communities for generations to come.”

Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (D-Boston) said, “I’m honored to receive the inaugural Ocean Champion Award from such leading ocean advocates like the New England Aquarium. Highlighting the importance of a cleaner environment and of protecting our oceans is critically important, now more than ever. I want to thank the New England Aquarium and all the other sponsors of this great event for honoring me with this award and for their tireless advocacy for climate resiliency and combating threats to our coastlines and marine ecosystems.”

Tom O’Shea, Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Commissioner said, “Massachusetts Oceans Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our state’s marine biodiversity, which sustains our nation-leading blue economy and coastal culture. We are proud to partner with the Legislature, conservation groups, and youth to champion collective action to protect and restore our oceans for generations to come.”

Sen. Bruce Tarr, Coastal Caucus Senate Chair and Senate Minority Leader (R-Gloucester) said, “Ocean Day provides all of us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the central importance of our ocean environment, to celebrate the progress we have made to strengthen, improve, and protect it, and to work together to chart a course to build on that progress with actions that can have a positive impact for generations to come.”

Lauren Brandkamp, Stranding Coordinator with Whale and Dolphin Conservation North America said, “Our coastal waters here in Massachusetts support over 20 incredible species of whales, dolphins, and seals. Protecting these marine mammals is so much more than saving individual animals – it’s about safeguarding a healthy ocean ecosystem, and the current and future communities that depend on it. I’m grateful to be a part of Massachusetts Ocean Day because we’re using science and passion to enact real change for our oceans.”

Nancy Downes, Field Campaigns Manager with Oceana said, “Plastics are polluting our oceans, harming marine wildlife, and devastating ecosystems. Bay Staters want less single-use plastics to protect marine life and human health, and we’re excited to be here for Ocean Day to help Massachusetts become a leader in tackling our state’s plastic pollution crisis.”

Ayana Melvan, Executive Vice President with Aquarium Conservation Partnership said, “Growing up in Massachusetts, the ocean and coastline were a tank of gas and a 45-minute drive away from Shrewsbury to experience nature and all it had to offer. On Massachusetts Ocean Day, I’m feeling a lot of nostalgia for the shorelines that raised me, as I represent Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and share my journey from inland to the coast and how it illustrates why the blue economy and conservation aren’t just policy terms – they are about protecting the places that shaped me and help shape many in our vital work at preserving our economy, safeguarding our ocean and freshwater ecosystems, while including all in the decision making that determine our future towards better quality of life.”

Kris Sarri, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts said, “The ocean shaped Massachusetts — our economy, our culture, our identity. From Gloucester’s fishing fleets to New Bedford’s working waterfront, ocean health is community health. The choices we make — how we fish, how we protect our shores, how we invest — send ripples across the one global ocean. We have the power to protect these waters for thriving communities and the biodiversity that depends on them. This is why it is critical to pass the MassReady Act.”

Massachusetts Ocean Day organizers expect the event to become an annual gathering, building a sustained advocacy presence at the State House on behalf of the state’s ocean and coastal communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org