March 2, 2021

On the first weekend of March, 12 teams of high school students from across the state will log on to compete in the 24th annual Orca Bowl. The teams will test their knowledge of marine science with one another, hoping to earn a spot to the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Finals, which will be held virtually in May and feature a theme of: “Plunging into Our Polar Seas”.

The event is always fun-filled and high energy. In past years, when the competition took place on the UW campus, many teams and volunteers dressed in marine-themed costumes. All the fun and excitement serve a clear purpose: educating and encouraging the next generation of marine scientists and ocean stewards. Even as our coastal ecosystems contend with threats including climate change, ocean acidification, habitat degradation, and fishing pressure, the dedication of these students – who regularly spent several hours studying after school to prepare for the event – demonstrates that the next generation has what it takes to fight for the planet. 

Orca Bowl is organized by Washington Sea Grant, a program within the UW College of the Environment. Thank you to our local sponsors who make Orca Bowl possible:

Major Local Sponsors:

• UW Washington Sea Grant
• UW School of Oceanography
• UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Science
• Seattle Aquarium
• Sound Experience

The 2021 NOSB program is made possible through the following major sponsors:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Wendy & Eric Schmidt
• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• American Honda Foundation
• The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation