Legislative Science Services

Bringing Science to Lawmaking

We provide scientific advice to lawmakers in the California Legislature and Congress to help them make informed decisions about healthy oceans and coasts.

Strengthening Access to Actionable Science for Lawmakers

Building on two decades of success in providing science advice to California’s government agencies, in early 2021, OST launched a program to bring science directly to California lawmakers, expanding the impact of our work towards a healthy and productive coast and ocean.

Filling a Critical Gap

Since its launch, the Legislative Science Services program has established a reputation as an objective broker of science information and advice supporting members, committees, and their staff. We provide both proactive information delivery on issues the research community identifies as critical, such as the kelp loss crisis, and engagement responsive to emerging policy priorities or current events, such as coastal impacts from wildfire and marine carbon dioxide removal. We build a vibrant relationship between science and lawmaking by providing policy-relevant and solution-focused advice.

Services Available on Request:

Science memos on ocean and coastal topics of interest, e.g., sea level rise, offshore wind, fisheries, plastic pollution, coastal ecosystems, climate adaptation, etc.
Connections to leading ocean & coastal science experts
Convenings with science experts to lead to actionable recommendations, e.g., formal member briefings, informal staff briefings, and research site visits on topics of interest
Recommendations for scientific experts to inform or testify at hearings
Formal briefings, small-group briefings, and informal events on topics of interest

If you are a member or staff with a question about ocean and coastal science, please contact the Legislative Science Services program.

Contact

Kiya Bibby, Senior Science Officer
kiya.bibby@oceansciencetrust.org

Kevin Travis, Senior Science Officer
kevin.travis@oceansciencetrust.org

Policy Roundups

2024 End-of-Session Roundup
2025 Spring Roundup
2025 Summer Roundup

The California Ocean Bill Tracker

Stay up to date with the 2025–2026 Legislative Session

Sorted to meet your priorities and needs, the California Ocean Bill Tracker serves as a first-of-its-kind resource for the broader scientific community in California to stay informed on legislative policies impacting the future of our coast and ocean.

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Resilience & Conservation

Ocean-based Climate Mitigation

Water Quality & Pollution

Other Bills / Investments

Sign up for The California Ocean Bill Tracker & Policy Roundups
This periodic service will deliver updates on ocean and coastal legislation and policy developments from across the state to your inbox.