On October 6, 2024, Santa Cruz, California, will become a hub for ocean and water sustainability enthusiasts as it hosts Blue Innovation Day 2024. The event, organized by Santa Cruz Works in partnership with UC Santa Cruz and Seymour Marine Discovery Center, promises to be a family-friendly showcase of cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions aimed at protecting our oceans and water resources.
Running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Blue Innovation Day 2024 will feature over 40 interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of innovations, including underwater robots, energy generation from ocean waves, and unique ocean-inspired artwork. One of the highlights of the event will be the display of 3D-printed surfboards and whale bones created using recycled plastics, demonstrating the potential of sustainable materials in various applications.
The event’s diverse program caters to both adults and children, offering sea life tours, a scavenger hunt, and a book reading focused on marine life and environmental protection. These activities aim to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable water management practices.
Blue Innovation Day 2024 also addresses critical environmental challenges through workshops on sea level rise, coastal erosion, and sustainable fisheries. These sessions will provide valuable insights into current issues affecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Additionally, Verdagy, a green hydrogen company, will lead a special session showcasing innovative solutions for clean energy production, highlighting the event’s focus on sustainable technologies.
The organizers have emphasized the event’s commitment to sustainability by encouraging attendees to ride their bikes, with a bike valet service provided. This initiative aligns with the event’s overall message of environmental responsibility and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation to the venue.
Support for Blue Innovation Day 2024 comes from a coalition of prominent local organizations, including the UC Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, O’Neill Sea Odyssey, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Metro, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, and Santa Cruz Works. This broad base of support underscores the community’s commitment to ocean and water sustainability.
While outdoor activities are free and open to the public, access to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center’s indoor exhibit hall requires a ticket. As an added incentive, ticket holders will be automatically entered into prize giveaways, further encouraging participation and engagement with the event’s educational offerings.
Blue Innovation Day 2024 represents a significant opportunity for the Santa Cruz community and visitors to engage with cutting-edge technologies and ideas in ocean and water sustainability. By bringing together innovators, educators, and the public, the event aims to foster a greater understanding of the challenges facing our oceans and water resources, while showcasing potential solutions. This collaborative approach to addressing environmental issues highlights the importance of community involvement and technological innovation in creating a more sustainable future for our oceans and waterways.
