12th Annual World Ocean Summit

Overview

SeaKeepers’ Science Liaison, Katie Sheahan, attended The Economist’s 12th Annual World Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Japan on March 12–13, 2025, joining over 700 professionals from the ocean science, policy, and technology sectors. Building on her participation at last year’s summit in Portugal, Katie used this opportunity to deepen relationships with key partners, including those involved with Seabed 2030, the Nippon Foundation, and global organizations like WWF and the International Maritime Organization. She attended targeted workshops on shaping blue data standards and advancing the Global Plastics Treaty, gaining insights to support SeaKeepers’ expanding scientific initiatives. Katie made several strategic connections across academia, nonprofit, and tech sectors—including representatives from PVO Expeditions, Worldview Seaweed Solution, and the Anthropocene Institute—whom she plans to connect with other SeaKeepers team members worldwide. Her presence at this summit continues to grow SeaKeepers’ network and scientific reach while reinforcing the organization’s leadership in global ocean conservation conversations.