We believe in the power of diversity to bring different viewpoints to the table in order to creatively reach new audiences about the importance of the ocean and exploration. All Hands on Deck, held at the MIT Media Lab, was the 2018 National Ocean Exploration Forum, held in collaboration with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Its goal was to imagine creative new ways to make the ocean so pervasive in modern culture that everyone has a positive association with the sea. We sought participants who are passionate about ocean exploration, and who exemplify diversity with regard to gender, culture, socioeconomics, geography, and domain knowledge. At the event, individuals early in their careers were given a platform to share their work through lightning talks and hands-on workshops and our panel discussion stage consciously represented the diversity of forum attendees.

By the Numbers

• 370 people registered: 22 countries; 29 US states

• 42 Ocean Discovery Fellows awarded travel assistance: 17 countries; 11 states & PR

• 550 livestream viewers

• 500+ attendees at Boston Ocean Day, a public ocean outreach day at the New England Aquarium IMAX Theater

• Participants represented a broad cross section of expertise, ranging from scientists and oceanographers, to comedian paleoanthropologist television presenters.

The Report

Following All Hands on Deck, participants were asked to complete three surveys to get a sense of what they took away from the event, what they planned to do as a result of it, and what they have accomplished in different timeframes (2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months post-forum). Complete survey results are detailed in the report. 

The All Hands on Deck report offers actionable recommendations that can and should be made to encourage expanded engagement and participation in a national program for ocean exploration in the US and beyond, including: (1) Diversity & Inclusion (2) Passionate Play (3) Immersive Storytelling, and, (4) Expanding the Field. The report also shares the event’s impact through the many inspiring stories of attendees who sought out new career opportunities and made choices patterned after the energy of All Hands on Deck and its focus on inclusivity and interdisciplinary methods to advance ocean exploration.