Chicago will be the center for global ocean and freshwater expertise from September 29 to October 2, 2025, as Navy Pier hosts the OCEANS 2025 Great Lakes conference. This significant international forum, organized by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES), is dedicated to the latest advancements in marine and freshwater technology, research, and sustainability initiatives.
The conference agenda will feature a dynamic exhibit hall, insightful technical sessions, and engaging on-water demonstrations, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and innovation. Attendees will gain exposure to critical advancements and emerging trends shaping the future of aquatic resource management and technological development. Key initiatives to be spotlighted include AquaHacking, a program that challenges young innovators to develop solutions for pressing water issues, and Lakebed 2030, an effort to create a comprehensive, high-resolution map of the Great Lakes' underwater terrain. Currently, only about 15% of the Great Lakes lakebed has been mapped at high density, highlighting the significant work ahead. The initiative aims to consolidate new and existing bathymetric data, making it accessible for widespread use. The estimated cost to fully map the Great Lakes at high density is $200 million, with a goal of completion by 2030.
The OCEANS conference series, recognized globally for its role in advancing ocean and freshwater science, engineering, and policy, offers a unique opportunity for professionals, policymakers, and students to connect. The Marine Technology Society and IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society have a long-standing partnership, working together to support student and early-career professionals in marine science and technology.