2008 Ocean Science Summit Report: Climate Change and Ocean Health

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), in collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) and the U.S. National Marine Sanctuary Program, held the 2008 Ocean Science Summit May 27-29 in Monterey California. A group of engineers, natural and social scientists at MBARI created a unique event and setting to transmit important scientific messages about changes in the oceans to legislators and policy makers, while also giving legislators and policy makers the opportunity to explain their perspectives and information needs to scientists and engineers. Attendees included more than forty of the nation’s best marine scientists, more than twenty committee staff members and three elected officials from Washington D.C., and a select group of leaders in the marine community. This event provided unique opportunities for networking, field experiences along the coast and aboard research vessels, and extensive discussions that facilitated a vigorous exchange of ideas, and consensus regarding marine research and policy needs.