California Ocean Science Trust

Legislative Science Services: Bringing Science to Lawmakers

From safeguarding whales to toxic pollution, from blue carbon to clean energy, critical ocean issues transcend political boundaries. Through expert briefings, hearings, and roundtable conversations among experts and elected officials, we serve as an objective broker of science information. We serve as a resource for policy-relevant and solution-focused advice supporting state and congressional representatives, committees, and their staff.

Supporting an Inclusive Science-Policy Workforce

To bring visibility, resources, and inclusion to the opportunities to pursue an ocean science and policy career pathway, we partner with California State University and University of California programs and institutes to provide internships and fellowships, create venues for illuminating non-academic career opportunities, and seek to grow the funding available for graduate student training and mentorship opportunities.

Providing Science Advice to State Agencies

Responding to the priorities of state agencies – including sea-level rise planning, biodiversity conservation via 30x30, and climate-ready fisheries – we deliver solution-focused practical science advice, recommendations, peer-reviews and roadmaps to executive branch agencies and departments. As Science Advisor to the California Ocean Protection Council, and chair of its Science Advisory Team, we serve as a trusted nexus between the scientific community and state policymakers.

Growing Resources for Solution-Focused Science

Implementing our mandate to seek and provide funding for coast and ocean scientific research, we foster novel research-policy partnerships, and advocate for new public and private funding for science to address our state’s policy priorities. We are deepening our relationships with science and research federal funding agencies to tap into opportunities for increased investment in science solutions to ocean and coastal challenges.