Sea Youth Rise Up
Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Advocates
Launched in 2016, Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) is a collaborative effort founded by Big Blue & You, the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, and The Ocean Project. This youth-led initiative brings together passionate young ocean advocates from across the country to directly advocate for ocean policy, elevate their voices, and grow as changemakers.
Sea Youth Rise Up has primarily operated as an in-person program since 2016, complemented by virtual preparation and reflection. In response to the evolving political landscape, safety considerations, and fewer opportunities for meaningful engagement in Washington, D.C., SYRUP will shift in 2026 to a nationwide virtual model. This approach empowers thousands more young people to take action in their own communities while remaining united through a coordinated national movement rooted in the philosophy of think global, act local.
Sea Youth Rise Up National Advocacy Training Livestream
Join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026, for a live, virtual advocacy and leadership training designed to empower youth changemakers nationwide. The event includes expert panel discussions, practical exercises for engaging with decisionmakers, and opportunities to connect with fellow advocates. At least 20 local watch parties are expected to take place across the country, creating a shared national experience with local impact.
Our Impact: Turning Passion Into Policy
Over the years, Sea Youth Rise Up has created a ripple effect of youth-led impact in the ocean conservation space. Participants have met with state and federal legislators, shared their stories on national platforms, and helped push forward ocean policy discussions that center youth voices.
In 2025, Sea Youth Rise Up welcomed a dynamic new cohort of youth advocates to Washington D.C., where they met with 14 environmental leaders, including policymakers, nonprofit founders, and former SYRUP delegates. Throughout the week, they built meaningful connections with peers from across the country, attended Capitol Hill Ocean Week, and lobbied for ocean-friendly legislation. SYRUP continues to prove that when young people rise up for the ocean, real change is not only possible, it’s already happening.
See what went down at
Sea Youth Rise Up
Dive into this behind-the-scenes recaps written by SYRUP alum Alejandro Ganaza to see how young ocean advocates from across the globe came together to raise their voices for the blue planet for the past two years.
Sea Youth Rise Up: Youth Advocacy Since 2016
SYRUP provides young ocean leaders with the opportunity to build and directly apply communication and advocacy skills by elevating ocean conservation issues with government officials and other decision makers.
Speaking Up for Our Ocean
Danni and Alejandro discussed Sea Youth Rise Up's transformative initiatives on CBS Miami, emphasizing youth voices and promoting marine conservation to showcase the program's impact on communities.