The Ocean Candidates Forum 2024 is a nonpartisan panel discussion that will provide an opportunity for interested public stakeholders to see how candidates will represent them in Washington and Sacramento, by answering a set of questions about marine science and policy. The coast of Central California has always played a critical role in both the science and policy of ocean management across the state and the nation.

The panelists will consist of CA Congressional and State Senate nominees running for offices in the 2024 election. Current Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin (28th District) and Dawn Addis (30th District), who represent parts of Santa Cruz County, are participating on the panel.

The event is sponsored by California State University Monterey Bay's (CSUMB) James W. Rote Distinguished Professorship in Marine Science and Policy.