Orca Bowl Program Update

After more than two decades of inspiring ocean science education and youth leadership, Washington Sea Grant has made the difficult decision to sunset the Orca Bowl program beginning in 2026.

This decision comes amid significant budget constraints at both the federal level and within the University of Washington, which have impacted our ability to sustain the program. While NOSB remains committed to supporting regional competitions where possible, the future of Orca Bowl is uncertain.

We are deeply grateful to the students, educators, volunteers, and supporters who have made Orca Bowl a vibrant and meaningful experience since 1998. Your passion and dedication have shaped a generation of ocean stewards, and we hope the legacy of Orca Bowl will continue in new and unexpected ways.

Washington Sea Grant remains committed to NOSB’s mission and will support efforts to inspire the next generation of ocean leaders whenever possible.

For updates on NOSB programming, including the virtual “Sponge Bowl” and other opportunities, please visit nosb.org.


Orca Bowl Competition

Washington State’s Ocean
Knowledge Competition

About Orca Bowl

Each year, high school students from across Washington come together for a day of friendly competition and exciting enrichment experiences at Orca Bowl, the state’s regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl® (NOSB) event. Washington Sea Grant partners with several units within UW’s College of the Environment to offer the program.

Orca Bowl challenges and recognizes Washington state’s high school students’ knowledge of the world’s oceans. During the daylong competition hosted at the University of Washington Seattle campus, teams compete in a round-robin tournament followed by a double elimination round. Students tackle questions in all areas of marine studies, including ocean-related physics, chemistry, geology, biology, social sciences, and technology.

Questions are presented in multiple-choice, short-answer, and team-challenge formats that require strong problem-solving skills and cooperation. The event also provides opportunities for students to meet university and ocean community scientists, faculty, staff, and student volunteers.

The winning team becomes eligible to participate in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl finals held in April and competes against winning teams from 25 regions nationwide.

For more information

To register your team for future years, please read the information for prospective teams. If you are a new coach and would like to learn more about the competition, please send email to orcabowl@uw.edu to receive instructions on how to participate.

Prospective sponsors and volunteers can find more on our sponsors and volunteer pages.

Spectators are welcome to attend and observe the event. Please note that there are strict rules for viewing the competition in action. Spectator information will be updated closer to the event.