Workforce Signals from the Start of 2026
The opening months of 2026 have delivered an unusually clear set of signals about where the marine technology workforce is heading and what our community will need to thrive in the year ahead.
The opening months of 2026 have delivered an unusually clear set of signals about where the marine technology workforce is heading and what our community will need to thrive in the year ahead.
At Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, we develop and manufacture FlowCam® instruments, advanced flow imaging microscopes that combine high-resolution imaging with rapid analysis to identify and count microscopic aquatic organisms.
As we step into a new year, one thing is immediately clear: 2026 is starting with momentum. The weeks ahead will bring some of the most important global convenings for our community, and they reflect exactly what MTS exists to do – connect people, ideas, and technologies across disciplines and sectors.
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to pause and simply say: thank you. To our members, volunteers, and partners around the world – your time, trust, and commitment continue to shape MTS in meaningful ways.
Every day across MTS, members are advancing marine technology in ways that are practical, creative, and driven by a shared commitment to collaboration. As we step back and recognize all our members have accomplished this year, a clear picture emerges: this community is not only busy, it is building the future of our field – one partnership, one workshop, one event, and one student at a time.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 11, 2025 - The Ocean Exchange, a leader in supporting the acceleration of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy announces the winners of three Neptune awards for $100,000 each, plus three $10,000 Collegiate Awards.
If October felt especially busy across the MTS community, that's because it was. The past few weeks were the most engaged, technically focused, and connected month in our organization's 60+ year history — a true reflection of the drive, expertise, and collaboration that define our members around the world.
The 2025 MTS Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference once again brought together industry leaders, engineers, and innovators from around the globe to advance the future of dynamic positioning technology. Held in Houston, the conference featured engaging discussions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities that reinforced MTS's commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and innovative DP operations worldwide.
October 17, 2025 — The World Submarine Organization (WSO) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 22nd International Submarine Symposium, held from October 7–10 at the Spanish Oceanographic Institute in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Thank you all for joining us for the last MTS/IEEE-OES OCEANS Conference in Chicago! This international event brought ocean professionals to the Great Lakes, our freshwater ocean, for the first time. The conference theme this year was New Horizons in Blue Tech: Bridging Knowledge and Innovation, as the Great Lakes Region serves as a bridge for two nations to the sea.
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Three $10,000 prizes to be conferred: The Guy Harvey Foundation and 2 Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards
As summer draws to a close, I’m excited to share a few important updates and opportunities for you to connect, contribute, and celebrate as part of the global MTS community.
The last few years have been a period of consistent growth for the MTS community and the organization. Coming on the heels of the pandemic, some of that growth—like our larger member community, new and renewed events, and expanded communication channels—is to be expected. Other changes to the MTS organization and community—like the launch of the Ocean Enterprise Initiative and the mergers of MATE and Ocean Exchange into our family of programs—have come as step-function changes that have rapidly expanded our reach, community, revenue, and impact.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, September 23, 2025 - With its 2025 event set for October 26-28, Ocean Exchange has named the finalists for their three $100,000 awards, which will be conferred on October 28th. Ocean Exchange is a leader in supporting the acceleration of innovative solutions for healthy oceans, coastlines and the sustainable blue economy.
Each year, the Marine Technology Society (MTS) proudly supports the growth and development of emerging professionals in the field of marine technology through our EMERGE Program. We are excited to introduce this year's participants, who have exhibited outstanding dedication and a strong commitment to advancing marine technology. Meet the individuals:
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 MTS Awards! Each year, we celebrate the outstanding accomplishments and dedication of the marine technology community. This year's awardees represent a diverse range of expertise and serve as inspiring examples of excellence across various areas, from technological innovation to volunteerism and mentorship. We are also proud to recognize a company that has made an extraordinary contribution to advancing marine technology. Our awardees exemplify a steadfast commitment to tackling challenges that have a lasting and meaningful impact on our interconnected global community.
MTS continues to grow in reach and impact, presenting opportunities to students and professionals worldwide. The MTS Student Section at the Institute for Ocean Management at Anna University has officially begun, starting a new chapter for many students in Chennai, India.
Biloxi, Mississippi – August 21, 2025 – Oceans In Action (OIA) 2025 will take place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center from August 26-28. OIA is hosted by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Gulf Coast Section and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology and is the Gulf Coast’s premier showcase for the latest in marine science and technology. Attendees will discover cutting-edge advancements designed for applications across government, research, and commercial industry.