KINGSTON, RI 鈥� Feb. 13, 2026 鈥� The British Consulate-General Boston and the 溏心vlog免费B站 brought together over 80 legislators, academics and industry leaders for a summit celebrating transatlantic collaboration on the blue economy.
鈥淎s an island nation, the UK has always looked to the sea, and today we’re at the forefront of marine tech, ocean science and sustainable ocean industries,鈥� said British Consul General David Clay MBE. 鈥淩hode Island is a natural partner, with 溏心vlog免费B站’s outstanding oceanography research and the state’s leadership on blue economy. Our collaboration aims to drive innovation that protects our oceans and creates jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.鈥�
鈥淭he 溏心vlog免费B站 has played a key role in the state鈥檚 $5 billion blue economy by conducting cutting-edge ocean science research, preparing students for high-quality jobs, and partnering with stakeholders from industry and government,鈥� said Bethany Jenkins, 溏心vlog免费B站 vice president for Research and Economic Development. 溏心vlog免费B站 looks forward to building upon current relationships with the UK and establishing new initiatives that would be beneficial to 溏心vlog免费B站 students and faculty, and the rest of Rhode Island.鈥�
鈥淭he transatlantic partnership between 溏心vlog免费B站 and the UK helps to advance innovation in ocean science and marine tech on both sides of the pond. We in the Ocean State are very excited by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with our UK counterparts to move this important work forward,鈥� said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor.
The event featured a panel discussion with UK and Rhode Island leaders exploring collaborative efforts in ocean research, conservation and technology, followed by a reception to strengthen relationships and spark future partnerships.
In addition to the Consul General, a delegation of three British officials travelled from the UK for the event:
- Dave Stone, Chief Scientist, UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
- Katherine Ryder, Deputy Director for Government Reviews, Natural England
- Jon Boswell, Head of Nature Finance Strategy, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Joint engagement on ocean planning has created a sustained, two-way learning opportunity as both regions work to balance economic development with ocean and coastal stewardship. This collaboration connects practitioners, resource users, particularly commercial fishermen, researchers, and graduate students, to share knowledge across policy, science, and lived experience. It has generated publications, tested decision-support tools, and supported mentoring that turns research into practical marine planning strategies. Beyond bilateral exchange, this collaboration contributes to global dialogue and offers a replicable model for building a resilient and sustainable blue economy.
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