Inspiring Tomorrow’s Ocean Leaders

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Ocean Leaders

Students

Team Information

Competition Rules

Study Resources

Theme Resources

NOSB Scholarship

Teachers

Team Information

Competition Rules

Study Resources

Theme Resources

Regional Coordinators

Competition Rules

Theme Resources

Volunteers

Where to Volunteer

Volunteer Roles

Competition Rules

Alumni

Alumni Spotlight

Where to Volunteer

Linkedin

The NOSB is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable community members and environmental stewards.

2025-2026 Competition Year Information

Regional NOSB competitions are held at universities, research institutions, laboratories, science centers, and aquaria across the country. Each year, up to 2,000 students from 350 schools and 1,500 volunteers participate in the program. Use the map to find details, such as the competition date, location, and regional coordinator’s contact information, for your closest regional competition. Contact the regional coordinator or visit their provided website to find out how to participate.

2026 Program Update
We’re actively updating this page as regional coordinators confirm their plans. Unfortunately, due to challenges at both the national and regional levels, some regional competitions may not be held this year. At this time, a national Finals competition is also unlikely. If a Finals does take place, it will be held virtually.

Please know that NOSB staff and regional coordinators care deeply about providing opportunities for students, and the decision not to hold a competition is never made lightly. To ensure teams without a nearby regional event can still participate, we’ll once again be hosting the Virtual Sponge Bowl.

Check back here regularly for updates, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay connected and receive the latest program information.

Use the map to explore NOSB regional bowls by clicking on the green markers to see competition details.
  • Regional Bowls
  • States Hosting Regional Bowls
  • States with Regional Bowl Participants in the Last Year

Find your local competition!

All states are eligible to compete. Contact us to learn more.

Introducing the 2025 NOSB National Champions: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

The Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated 2025 virtual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Finals Competition, which took place this past weekend in an exciting display of ocean science knowledge, teamwork, and passion for our blue planet. An interdisciplinary ocean science education program of COL, the NOSB has tested students’ knowledge of ocean-related topics through buzzer-style multiple choice and longer, critical thinking-based questions for 27 years.

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