This year's theme — West Coast Sea Turtles: Ambassadors Across the Pacific — will bring together sea turtle conservationists, researchers, and advocates at the Monterey Conference Center from November 2nd through November 4th, 2026.

A symposium centered on the Pacific is precisely the kind of cross-boundary, science-driven gathering that advances Upwell's mission. The "Ambassadors Across the Pacific" theme amplifies this work by framing sea turtles as living symbols of transoceanic connection — creatures whose survival depends on international cooperation, shared data, and unified conservation strategies across the entire Pacific basin. The US West Coast, where sea turtles forage but do not nest, is a powerful reminder of why we must protect turtles at sea, where they spend most of their lives. The symposium is an ideal platform to deepen existing collaborations and inspire new ones among researchers, policymakers, and advocates united by this shared purpose.

If you are interested in volunteering at the symposium, please contact info@wcsts.org.

We look forward to coming together this November to celebrate and protect the incredible sea turtles of the Pacific. Thank you for your continued support of Upwell's mission — your commitment makes this work possible.