White sharks photographed off of Baja California. Photo by Tomas Koeck FN’24

As part of World Oceans Week, the New England Chapter of The Explorers Club presents a special ocean-focused program featuring two Fellows at the forefront of marine exploration and storytelling in New England.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The day begins with a keynote talk by Jon Dodd, FN’23 — founder and executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute.

Widely recognized as a leading shark conservationist, and authority on sharks in New England waters, Dodd will share insights from over 35 years of field research, satellite tagging initiatives, and policy work aimed at protecting North Atlantic shark populations. His presentation will explore the evolving science of shark behavior, migration, and conservation strategy in the region.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch and networking.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

The afternoon continues with award-winning filmmaker and 2026 EC50 awardee Tomas Koeck, FN’24, featuring screenings and discussion of two of his acclaimed ocean films, both distributed on PBS.

Chasing Fins – A cinematic exploration of sharks and the groundbreaking work of the Atlantic Shark Institute, offering a compelling look at public perception, research innovation, and conservation challenges.

Secrets of the Seagrass – A visually immersive journey into the eelgrass meadows off Rhode Island and Block Island, revealing the extraordinary biodiversity hidden within these critical coastal habitats — from striped bass to American lobster — and underscoring the vital ecological role seagrass ecosystems play.

Following the screenings, Koeck will speak about storytelling in modern exploration, documenting fragile marine environments, and the responsibility of filmmakers in advancing conservation awareness.

Join us for a dynamic World Oceans Week gathering that brings together science, exploration, and film in celebration of our region’s marine ecosystems.

Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast poster. ©Silent Flight Studios