Ocean First Institute

Celebrating the Life of Rob Stewart. His Legacy Continues

The Saving Our Seas from a Mile High gala will be an inspiring evening dedicated to ocean conservation, shark protection, and marine research. Hosted by Fins Attached, the event brings together ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to protecting our oceans for future generations. The gala highlights critical conservation projects, groundbreaking shark and marine research, and community-driven efforts to preserve fragile marine ecosystems around the world. Guests experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, education, and purpose, all focused on creating lasting change for the ocean.

The Gala Details: Your ticket includes your choice of meal, open bar, and free parking.
Get your tickets now before they run out.
https://finsattached.betterworld.org/events/saving-our-seas-mile-high-2026
ONE OCEAN WORLDWIDE COALITION Ocean First Institute A-1 Scuba + Diventures Sharkwater Fin Free Pelagios Kakunjá Salty Sharks Uprising Denver Divers DiveWet.com Ocean Blue Tree Tamara Glover Elite Divers Shearwater DOXA Roland St John Rocío Pérez Ocean First

This is the announcement we’ve been waiting to share.

Today marks a defining moment for Ocean First Institute. The challenges facing our oceans have never been greater- and neither has the need for bold science, innovative research, and leaders willing to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

We’re incredibly proud to introduce the newest member of our team, and our new Director of Science, Dr. Paul Clerkin!

With a passion for deep-sea shark research, and expertise in robotics, molecular genetics, and underwater cameras, Dr.Paul will help shape the future of Ocean First Institute and the impact we make around the world.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the OFI team and have a new home for my international deep-sea shark research” -Dr. Paul Clerkin

A new chapter in ocean conservation begins today for Ocean First Institute. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr.Paul! 🌊🦈🔦

Saving Our Seas From A Mile High 2026 Ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters - First 12 people to register will get a free copy of the "Dr. Hammerhead Swims with Sharks" book.

🦈🌊 HAPPY SHARK WEEK 🌊🦈

Colorado, we have an exciting lineup of shark themed events this week and we would love nothing more than to have you join us! It’s going to be one EPIC week.

💕🦈 TODAY
Our education team is visiting the Children’s Hospital to spread shark love.

🦈Trivia Nights
-Tuesday July 28th at 6:00 PM at Rocky Mountain Tap
-Thursday July 30th 7:00 PM at Swaylos Tikki
-Saturday August 1st at 7:00 PM at Siren Cocktail Bar

🧘‍♀️🦈 Yoga Shark Night
-Wednesday July 29 at 7:00 PM at YoGallery Louisville

🎵…..🎵…Jaws Movie Night 🎬
-Friday July 31st at 8:00 PM at Siren Cocktail Bar

If you love sharks and live in CO, we sincerely hope you will join us for some epic shark moments. Show off your knowledge, try a vinyasa whilst a sharks swims across the wall, or simply enjoy the nostalgia of watching the movie that changed Dr.Mikki’s life!

Goose Creek Cleanup Presented by Boulder
ENOFF in Collaboration with the City of Boulder!

With deep gratitude, Boulder ENOFF would like to thank the City of Boulder and Boulder Parks & Recreation for welcoming us as the presenting organization for the Goose Creek Cleanup on July 11, 2026, and for creating such a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together in service of the land, water, wildlife, and the shared spaces we all depend on. 💚

We are especially thankful to the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation team, as well as the Safe and Managed Public Spaces (SAMPS) team, for supporting our volunteers, helping ensure safety along the creek, and making this community cleanup possible. Their partnership allowed Boulder ENOFF to connect our mission of environmental storytelling, community action, and care for the natural world with hands on stewardship. We are honored to be part of such a dedicated and caring community.

The turnout was incredible! More than 60 volunteers came together to care for Goose Creek, removing an astonishing 647 pounds of trash and recyclables from the creekside area. Among the debris recovered was even a television, a powerful reminder of the difference a committed community can make in just one morning.

A special thank you to Rayback Collective for hosting our volunteers and providing a welcoming space for gathering, conversation, and celebration after the cleanup. Their hospitality helped make the day not only productive, but joyful and community centered.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizations and community partners who supported Boulder ENOFF and this cleanup, including our valued sponsors Ocean First Institute, Twig Hair Salon , Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, Mindful Works, Floral Bumblebee, Reef Healers, and REI. Your support helps make community stewardship events like this possible.

To everyone who volunteered, hauled trash, promoted the cleanup, shared our festival, supported our sponsors, or helped make the morning possible, thank you! Together, we restored a small but meaningful piece of Boulder's living landscape, and we are excited to carry that spirit forward into this year's Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival, taking place July 16 through July 19 at the Dairy Arts Center! We hope to see you there 🏔️🦈🐳✨🐘🌊🌼

With gratitude,

Richard Paradise
Festival Director

Madeline Brooke
Assistant Director

Join Ocean First Institute at the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival as we celebrate powerful stories that reconnect us with our oceans, wildlife, and the natural world. Through film, conversation, and community, we can inspire the next generation of conservationists and create lasting change.

The 2026 Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival will take place July 16–19 at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, marking our eighth year of programming at this venue. Each year, we welcome more than 1,000 passionate attendees, including world-renowned filmmakers, world-travelers, change-makers, conservationists, scientists, environmental advocates, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, philanthropists, and more!

We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of storytelling to inspire conservation, connection, and positive change.

View the 2026 Film Program: https://www.dailycamera.com/2026/06/26/2026-boulder-environmental-nature-outdoors-film-festival/

Purchase Tickets Here: https://thedairy.org/benoff/

Learn more about Boulder ENOFF here:

https://www.boulderenoff.org/