OCEANS 2026 Local Organizing Committee Welcomes You
Welcome to OCEANS 2026 Monterey!
IEEE OES OCEANS returns to Monterey for the first time in a decade—and what a transformation it has been. This year, we gather at an entirely new venue, right at the water’s edge, in one of the most inspiring ocean science hubs in the world.
Our conference theme, Oceans: Where Research and Development Make a Difference, highlights the essential collaboration between industry, government, and academia in advancing solutions for our aquatic planet. OCEANS 2026 Monterey aims to be more relevant than ever—expanding opportunities for interaction, showcasing individual contributions, and exploring new and emerging topics that will shape our field for years to come.
Monterey Bay is home to a remarkable concentration of marine research and innovation. More than 25 institutions and businesses around the bay—and over 50 within a two-hour drive—contribute to the region’s global leadership in ocean science and technology. Local institutions include Hopkins Marine Station, the Naval Postgraduate School, California State University Monterey Bay, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), the University of California Santa Cruz, the U.S. Geological Survey, and NOAA, among others.
This region’s unique geography also makes it an extraordinary setting for ocean research. The Monterey Canyon, one of the largest submarine canyons in the world, brings deep ocean waters just offshore—reaching depths of 4,000 meters within a short boat ride. This proximity has fueled decades of pioneering research and technology development that continue to shape our understanding of the ocean.
Our program will feature an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, including Dr. Antje Boetius, former director of the Alfred Wegener Institute and current director of MBARI; Dr. Marcia McNutt, President of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences; and Dr. Dana Yoerger of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Attendees can also look forward to in-water demonstrations, dynamic panel discussions, engaging technical sessions, and a vibrant exhibit hall.
We are thrilled to welcome you to Monterey from September 21–24, 2026, at the Monterey Conference Center. Join us as we explore, innovate, and collaborate at OCEANS 2026 Monterey!
Welcome from the Conference Co-Chairs
William Kirkwood
Kevin Gomes
