Ocean's Power Duo: Earle and Lundquist to Steer AltaSea's Global Push

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 13, 2026 – In a strategic move designed to significantly amplify its global influence, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles has named legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and prominent California philanthropist Dr. Melanie Lundquist as its inaugural Founding Ambassadors. The announcement marks the launch of a new initiative aimed at harnessing the power of high-profile advocacy to accelerate ocean-based climate solutions and expand the horizons of the rapidly growing blue economy.

As honorary advisors, Earle and Lundquist will lend their considerable credibility and extensive networks to champion AltaSea's mission. Their appointment is not merely ceremonial; it represents a powerful convergence of scientific authority and philanthropic strategy, intended to attract global stakeholders and elevate the urgency of marine innovation on the world stage.

“Sylvia and Melanie’s voices will help spotlight the promise of the blue economy and the urgent need to protect our ocean while creating opportunity for future generations,” said AltaSea President and CEO Terry Tamminen in the official announcement. “They bring extraordinary credibility, passion, and influence on this effort, and we are honored to have them serve as our inaugural ambassadors.”

A Convergence of Influence and Vision

The pairing of Dr. Earle and Dr. Lundquist is a calculated fusion of two distinct but complementary spheres of influence. Dr. Sylvia Earle, often called “Her Deepness” for her pioneering deep-sea exploration, is one of the world’s most respected and recognizable figures in marine science. As a former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—the first woman to hold the post—and the founder of the Mission Blue alliance, her voice carries immense weight in scientific and conservation circles. Her work has been instrumental in establishing a global network of marine protected areas, or “Hope Spots,” and her advocacy is backed by decades of research and over 200 publications.

“The ocean is the foundation of life on earth, and initiatives like AltaSea are essential to advancing the solutions we need,” Earle stated. “I am honored to support this mission and help bring more voices into this important work.”

On the other side of this powerful partnership is Dr. Melanie Lundquist, a force in California philanthropy. Alongside her husband, Richard, Lundquist is one of AltaSea’s most significant private donors. Her involvement, however, transcends financial contribution. In a move that reflects a modern, more engaged form of philanthropy, Lundquist recently concluded her service on AltaSea’s Board of Trustees to embrace the new ambassador role. This transition allows her to focus her influence more directly on her passions, particularly in fostering educational pathways and inspiring the next generation of ocean innovators.

The Engine of Innovation: Inside AltaSea's Campus

For 12 years, AltaSea has been quietly transforming a 35-acre stretch of the Port of Los Angeles—North America’s busiest seaport—into a bustling hub for ocean technology. The campus is now home to 27 tenants, from startups to established research groups, all singularly focused on harnessing the ocean to solve critical global challenges. This unique public-private partnership creates a fertile ecosystem for innovation in key sectors, including sustainable aquaculture, renewable energy, and advanced carbon capture technologies.

AltaSea fosters deep research collaborations with leading academic institutions like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). These partnerships are not theoretical; they are geared toward developing tangible, scalable solutions. Projects range from pioneering underwater robotics for remote exploration to developing new methods for monitoring marine ecosystems, all contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the ocean's role in climate regulation.

The appointment of Earle and Lundquist is expected to act as a catalyst for these efforts, attracting new talent, technology, and investment to the campus. Their advocacy will provide a megaphone for the groundbreaking work happening within this ocean technology cluster, connecting innovators with the resources and visibility needed to scale their solutions globally.

Charting a Course for the Next Generation

A central pillar of AltaSea's mission, and a key focus for Dr. Lundquist, is workforce development. As the blue economy expands, so does the demand for a skilled labor force. To meet this need, AltaSea is developing robust “Ocean Career Pathways” programs. These initiatives include internships, apprenticeships, and certificate programs designed to create accessible entry points into marine-related fields, with a particular focus on engaging youth from local and often disadvantaged communities.

By providing hands-on learning experiences, field trips, and direct engagement with the scientists and entrepreneurs on campus, AltaSea aims to inspire a new generation of ocean stewards and innovators. This focus on education and equitable opportunity is a core part of the organization's vision for a sustainable and just world.

“I believe deeply in AltaSea’s ability to connect innovation, education, and opportunity,” said Lundquist. “This new role is a meaningful way for me to continue advancing AltaSea’s vision and engaging others in the critical work.” Her transition from trustee to ambassador underscores a commitment to leveraging her influence to build these crucial bridges between today's research and tomorrow's leaders.

Riding the Wave of a Growing Blue Economy

The timing of AltaSea's ambassador initiative could not be more critical. The organization is positioning itself at the forefront of a sector experiencing explosive growth. The global ocean-based climate solutions market, valued at nearly $42 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double to $94 billion by 2035. Venture capital is flooding into the space, with Bluetech funding growing tenfold over the past decade to reach $2.4 billion in 2024.

Despite this momentum, significant challenges remain. Philanthropic giving to climate change mitigation still represents less than 2% of total global giving, highlighting a vast funding gap. Furthermore, progress is often hampered by a lack of coordinated policy and data-sharing infrastructure. This is precisely where the influence of ambassadors like Earle and Lundquist becomes invaluable.

By convening global leaders, inspiring stakeholders, and advocating for supportive policies, they can help dismantle these barriers. Their involvement lends institutional credibility that can unlock new streams of public and private investment, helping to de-risk emerging technologies and accelerate their path to market. This strategic alignment of scientific leadership, philanthropic vision, and a dedicated innovation campus positions AltaSea to not only participate in the blue economy but to actively shape its future, ensuring its growth is both sustainable and equitable.