The Best Ocean Conservation Organizations for 2022

Oceans have inspired humans and tempted sailors since the dawn of time, but now the world’s oceans are in trouble. Oceans temperatures are rising, oceans are filling with pollution, and marine species are declining.  According to a 2020 article in Science,¹https://science.sciencemag.org/content/369/6510/1515 an estimated 19- 23 million metric tons, or 11%, of plastic waste generated globally in 2016 entered aquatic ecosystems.

These threats to ocean health are concerning because oceans regulate our climate, support abundant biological diversity, and provide livelihoods and food for countless people.   

The health of the world's oceans are of particular concern to sailors. Whether you care about the state of the world’s coral, massive spinning gyres of pollution and invisible microplastics, the fate of whales and sharks, or the future of islands and indigenous communities, it is hard not to be a sailor and have serious concerns about oceans and the environment.

Looming over all of these challenges is the biggest threat to oceans and human health: climate change.

The problems facing the world’s oceans or enormous and complex and it can be overwhelming to know where to start: What not-for-profit organizations provide opportunities if sailors want to volunteer or contribute to citizen science or education programs? What organizations have information about changing personal behavior or influencing public policy? Who is working to conserve the coral triangle, white sharks or Oliver Ridley sea turtles, establishing and protecting marine protected areas, implementing effective education campaigns, developing new technologies to reduce ocean pollution? Finding these organizations is a really daunting task. The Blue Movement Directory created by Blue Frontier lists over 1,400 ocean groups. That’s a lot of organizations!

Fortunately, we have simplified this for you by doing the hard work to identify and describe the world’s best ocean conservation organizations. Our diverse list includes some of the most extraordinary people and organizations dedicated to studying, communicating, educating, organizing, and solving addressing the most pressing ocean conservation challenges.   

We start with the really special ocean conservation organizations—those we believe are among the very best that may be of interest to sailors.

We organize the rest by topic. Our categories are not perfect. For example, virtually all organizations have education or outreach campaigns and groups concerned about coral are usually also concerned about fish and pollution. But we tried to organize the group by what we saw as their core competency (organizations with “coral” in their names are mostly in the coral section!) and size, like the Big Environmental NGOs (BINGOs), which typically have ocean programs among their many other programs. Organizations are listed alphabetically within each section. We modified and summarized descriptions for each organization from each organization’s web site (typically About, Mission, or similar pages).

An important note: For all the terrific organizations we list, we know there will be excellent ones we missed, particularly those with web pages published in languages other than English. If you know of a worthy organization that we should consider adding, spot an error, or identify information about an organization that we list that should be edited or updated, let us know!   

Read on for the Sail Greener list of the world’s most innovative and impactful ocean conservation organizations for sailors.

The “Big Oceans”: The 5 Best Ocean Conservation Organizations for Sailors

While there are many extraordinary ocean conservation organizations, the following organizations stand out for their focus, impact, and commitment to ocean conservation.

Oceana

Oceana is the world’s largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Founded in 2001, Oceana’s mission is to make our oceans more biodiverse and abundant by winning policy victories in the countries that govern much of the world's marine life.  Oceana works on campaigns to protecting marine habitat, reduce marine bycatch, protecting marine wildlife, ending single-use plastics

Notable accomplishments:

• Oceana has helped to protect nearly 4 million square miles (more than 10 million square kilometers) of ocean habitat, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), no-take zones, and fishing restrictions that protect seafloor communities such as bans on bottom trawling
• Oceana campaigns in 8 different countries and the European Union to achieve meaningful reductions in ocean plastic pollution by reducing the production and use of throwaway plastics.
• After campaigning by Oceana, the European Union banned shark finning by requiring that sharks caught in European waters or by European vessels have to be landed with their fins still naturally attached.
• Oceana has run more than 225 campaigns to win policy change to increase abundance and biodiversity, such as stopping overfishing through the establishment of science-based catch limits and reducing the incidental catch of non-targeted animals.
• For more accomplishments visit: https://oceana.org

Oceana and Sailing: Did you Know?

Oceana powers Sailors for the Sea, the world’s only ocean conservation organization that has a program to specifically engage, educate and activate the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health.

For more jump to Sailors for the Sea below.

Mission Blue

Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue implements communications campaigns to support a worldwide network of marine protected areas identified as “Hope Spots” https://mission-blue.org/hope-spots/, through oceanic expeditions, documentaries, social media, traditional media and innovative tools. Mission Blue has a vision of 30% protection of the ocean by the year 2030. The Mission Blue alliance includes more than 200 ocean conservation groups and other organizations and companies.  The organization works directly with 120 local communities in more than 69, Mission Blue has helped to create 131 Hope Spots, with 21 of these in 2019.

Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Conservancy is focused on solving some of the greatest threats facing our oceans. For nearly five decades the organization has brought people, science, and policy together to champion innovative solutions and fight for a sustainable ocean.  Some of their key campaigns include confronting climate change and ocean acidification, working on ocean policy (such as smart ocean planning), protecting Florida’s ocean and coast and protecting the arctic, restoring the Gulf of Mexico, sustainable fisheries, and trash-free seas.

Notable accomplishments

• The Ocean Conservancy contributed to successful revision in 1996 of the primary US fisheries law, the US Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
• The Seal Rescue Fund (SRF) was organized to protect marine mammals from commercial exploitation. 
• The Ocean Conservancy campaigned to for sea turtles, which resulted in the requirement for turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawl gear.
• As part of its trash-free seas program, since 1986 the Ocean Conservancy has worked with more than 23 million volunteers to pick up more than 339 million pounds of trash.
• For more accomplishments visit: https://oceanconservancy.org/

Ocean Conservancy and Boating: Did you know?

The Ocean Conservancy helps International Coastal Cleanup events. Participants can use the Clean Swell app to track trash collected and submit the data to a global database. Last year, the average volunteer collects 22 pounds of trash. Collectively, this has resulted in millions of pounds of waste removed. Food Wrappers (candy, chips, etc.) were the most collected item (4,771,602 pounds!) Among the “Weird Finds” from 2020 coastal cleanup: a toilet lid in Chile and a rubber chicken in the Philippines.²https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/boating-community/marina-cleanup-day/

BlueFrontier

BlueFrontier was founded in 2003 by award-winning author and journalist David Helvarg to build solution-oriented citizen engagement to protect oceans, coasts and the communities, for people and nature.  The organization was founded with support from ocean conservation heavyweights, including Dr. Sylvia Earle, Robert Kennedy Jr., Ralph Nader, Philippe Cousteau, Rep. Sam Farr (D CA) and former Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R MD). The organization’s core strength is their unique emphasizes on grassroots (what they call “seaweed level”) activism, with links to 1,400 diverse ocean organizations.

Notable accomplishments:

• Created a detailed Blue Movement Directory of 1,400 U.S. organizations and institutions involved in ocean conservation listed by state.
• Organized Blue Vision Summits to bring together stakeholders and elected representatives to develop strategies for protecting oceans.
• Produced high quality stories and media to focus attention on ocean conservation challenges and solutions.
• Established the Blue Frontier/Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious honors for solution-oriented leadership

Blue Frontier and Boating: Did you know? Blue Frontier’s Ocean Explorers project supported Rower Roz Savage on her solo rows across the Pacific and Indian Oceans to raise the profile of ocean and climate issues between 2007 and 2010. Blue Frontier’s field organizer Margo Pellegrino has also paddled her one-woman outrigger canoe from Miami to Maine, Seattle to San Diego and elsewhere, recently embarking on a New York to New Orleans paddle through the Hudson, Erie Canal, Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River to continue her outreach to local ocean activists and now inland water activists highlight the connection between clean water and healthy seas.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is one of the boldest of the ocean conservation organizations. The organization has a mission to protect defenseless marine wildlife and end the destruction of habitat in the world’s oceans, and Sea Shepherd engages in direct action campaigns to defend wildlife and conserve and protect the world’s oceans from illegal exploitation and environmental destruction. Sea Shepherd Global is the coordinating body for all independent Sea Shepherd groups. The organization was originally founded in 1977 by Paul Watson with a single boat. Since its grassroots beginnings it has grown to include independent groups in over 20 countries. As of 2021, the organization had 12 different ships.  Ships operated by Sea Shepherd Global include the M/Y Ocean Warrior, M/Y Bob Barker, and M/Y Sam Simon. The boats help the organization to expose, intercept, and oppose illegal operations that damage and destroy marine wildlife and habitats. Many people were introduced to the group’s work and founder Paul Watson through the Discovery Channel reality show Whale Wars, which covered the organization’s campaign against Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary off the coast of Antarctica.

Notable accomplishments

• The Sea Shepherd Society has successfully stopped poachers and habitat destruction around the world, including in Benin, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Italy, Liberia, Mexico, and Namibia. For decades the Sea Shepherd Society has been the most direct and effective whale defense movement on the planet.
• The organization has facilitated hundreds of arrests, the seizure of dozens of poaching vessels, and the confiscation of thousands of illegal nets.
• The Sea Shepherd Society has received multiple awards, including the Amazon Peace Prize from Ecuador and the Distinguished Service Medal from Liberia.  

Sea Shepherd Society & Sailing: Did you know?

One of the Sea Shepherd’s boats is the R/V Martin Sheen, a US Registered sailboat the organization acquired in 2014. The 80-foot ketch was named after American actor and supporter Martin Sheen. Among its campaigns, the vessel has spent summers in British Columbia waters working with biologist Dr. Alexandra Morton to support research into piscine reovirus and parasites that may be transmitted from fish farms to wild salmon.

The Big International Environmental Organizations

All of the world’s largest environmental organizations run ocean projects. The largest and most influential organizations with prominent ocean conservation activities include the following:

Center for Biological Diversity works to secure a future for all species, great and small through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive. The organization’s oceans program works to defend marine species and habitat from overfishing, offshore oil drilling, the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification, and other threats.

Conservation International (CI) builds on science, partnership, and field demonstration to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, biodiversity, and the well-being of humanity. The organization has offices in 29 countries and 2,000 partners worldwide. CI’s Center for Oceans guides the organization’s work to protect the world’s oceans by leveraging the latest technological and social innovations while partnering with organizations, companies, and governments around the world. Among its many accomplishments, CI has worked with more than 40 coastal communities in over 22 countries to mitigate or adapt climate change through more sustainable fisheries management and mangrove restoration and helped protect more than 500 million square kilometers of ocean area.

Defenders of Wildlife works to protect native animals and plants in their natural communities. Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife protects and restores imperiled species throughout North America by transforming policies and institutions and by promoting innovative solutions. Defenders’ ocean programs work to defend marine national monuments and sanctuaries, oppose seismic blasting and offshore drilling, and are working to develop best management practices for responsible wildlife-friendly offshore wind siting, construction and development. 

Earth Island Institute is a nonprofit environmental organization in the United States that works on diverse environmental projects, including ocean conservation, with diverse partners. Founded in 1982 by legendary environmentalist David Brower, the organization includes a legal division, a youth leadership program, and an award-winning magazine, Earth Island Journal.

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations. EDF takes on climate change and other threats by identifying what’s most urgent and where the organization can make the most difference. EDF brings together people from diverse perspectives using evidence to drive solutions, rewarding people who protect nature, and building alliances across sectors. EDF’s oceans program empowers fishing communities to improve their own livelihoods while caring for the ocean.

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organization. Founded in 1903, FFI works to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide. FFI works in more than 40 countries on over 140 conservation projects with more than 321 partners. FFI’s marine program includes projects in the Americas, Eurasia, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. This work is focused on safeguarding marine species, habitats, and livelihoods through effective protection and management of marine ecosystems; tackling the wider threats to marine species and habitats through improved policy and practice; and supporting lasting change by strengthening the ability of people and organizations to protect their local marine environments.

Greenpeace is one of the world’s oldest and most recognizable ocean conservation organizations. For more than 50 years, Greenpeace has sailed the world's oceans with a simple yet bold mission: to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity and to fight for environmental justice. Greenpeace uses peaceful, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and develop solutions for a green and peaceful future. The organization is built on the values of personal responsibility and nonviolence, independence (they do not accept money from governments, corporations or political parties), claims no permanent “friends or foes”, and promotes solutions. Greenpeace also works to reduce pollution, end all nuclear threats, and promotes peace, global disarmament, and non-violence. Greenpeace is comprised of 27 independent national/regional organizations in over 55 countries. Greenpeace International, headquartered in Amsterdam, serves as a coordinating body.  Greenpeace has one of the largest ocean conservation fleets in the world. In 2021 the fleet includes the Arctic Sunrise, Esperanza, and Rainbow Warrior international.               

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) works to help animals and people thrive together. IFAW members are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. IFAW rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals, and restores and protects their natural habitats. IFAW partners with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is one of America's largest conservation organizations. Since 1936, NWF has worked to protect, restore, and connect wildlife habitat; transform wildlife conservation; and connect Americans with wildlife. NWF has worked with water quality policies such as the Clean Water Act and has programs from small streams to the Great Lakes.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): One of the largest environmental advocacy organizations in the United States, NRDC combines the power of its three million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild.  Among its many programs, NRDC works to maintain and restore healthy ocean ecosystems by seeking to prevent or end destructive practices, such as overfishing, harmful offshore oil and gas drilling, and seismic blasting. NRDC is also a  leader in promoting the establishment of marine protected areas and in protecting threated and endangered marine species.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded 1951, The Nature Conservancy is now among the most effective and well-funded environmental organizations in the world. With more than a million members and over 400 scientists, TNC supports conservation projects in 72 countries and territories, including a strong oceans program. The organization operates more than 100 marine conservation projects and is working to protect of up to 1.5 million square miles (4 million km²) of biodiversity-critical ocean habitats, a 15% increase from current protected ocean.  

TRAFFIC works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC works globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The organization carries out research, investigations and analysis to compile the evidence to catalyse action by governments, businesses and individuals, in collaboration with a wide range of partners, to help ensure that wildlife trade is not a threat to the conservation of nature. One example of TRAFFIC’s ocean programming includes the Global Shark and Ray Initiative, a joint project with other partners to secure the future of our oceans through shark and ray conservation with a goal to halt the devastating declines in shark and ray populations by 2025.

WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts. We also work with governments and partners to protect fragile marine reserves from illegal fishing and shark finning, to enhance public and political will for anti-poaching efforts, and to reduce climate change impacts. WildAid’s marine conservation program pioneered a six-step process, the BLUEPRINT™ for MPA Success, for building effective, well-enforced marine protected areas. WildAid’s high-impact media campaigns feature some of the most influential voices in the world, such as Yao Ming, Sir Richard Branson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Prince William, and others to advocate for wildlife conservation on a massive scale.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) uses science to discover and understand the natural world to engage and inspire decision-makers, communities, and millions of supporters to take action to protect the wildlife and wild places. WCS has an oceans program that invests in ocean protection, sustainable fisheries, and marine species conservation across the waters of 23 countries and all five oceans.

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that spans more than 60 countries.  The organization’s more than 1,000 experts and staff turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. WRI’s oceans program with ocean partners and research institutions to put our findings into the hands of decision-makers, and networks.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is among the world’s most recognizable conservation organizations, has a mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.  Established in 1961, WWF collaborates with people in nearly 100 countries to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live. WWF’s oceans program works to help people fish better, support resilient ecosystems and communities, is fighting for a goal of no plastic in nature by 2030, and working to strengthen Arctic-wide governance.

Ocean organizations with a unique relationship to sailing

Blue Flag

Blue Flag establishes voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, recipients must meet and maintain stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Blue Flag is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The program operates in more than 47 countries. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Society (ASBPA) is the official national operator of Blue Flag in the U.S. https://asbpa.org/get-involved/blue-flag-pilot-program/ . A central goal of the Blue Flag program is to connect the public with their surroundings and encourage them to learn more about their environment. Blue Flag sites must carry out education programs to promote awareness.

Clean Sailors

Clean Sailors is a not-for-profit working to mobilize the global sailing community to conserve oceans.  Clean Sailors “crew” share stories, science, research, knowledge, ideas and best practice. The organization supports partners and other organizations dedicated to ocean conservation by donating 100% of their profits from ethically-sourced and sustainable Clean Sailors products. Clean Sailors also campaign through lobbying, explaining, sharing and canvassing those that can help make change happen.

Green Blue

The Green Blue is a joint environmental awareness program created by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine. The aim of Green Blue is to inspire sustainable recreational boating for cleaner, healthier waters. The organization does this by identifying and raising awareness; providing information, guidance, and resources to support recreational boating in adopting and sharing best practices; delivering environmental awareness events and training; discovering and raising awareness of more environmentally sustainable products and services; working with government agencies and bodies; and developing partnerships and projects with other organizations, trusts, charities and businesses.

Sailors for the Sea

Sailors for the Sea is a leading ocean conservation organization that engages, educates and activates the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health. The organization is powered by Oceana (see above). The organization was created in recognition that boaters see first-hand many of the issues faced by our oceans. The organization has developed programs to unite the nearly 12-million-strong community of sailors and boaters.

Sailors for the Sea was co-founded in 2004 by David Rockefeller, Jr. and Dr. David Treadway, avid sailors who recognized the importance of educating and activating sailors and boaters to support ocean conservation. In 2018, Sailors for the Sea joined forces with Oceana. The organization has three core programs:

• Green Boating:  Boaters are provided with the latest information and resources on sustainable boating practices and opportunities to act on critical policy issues that are needed to combat plastic pollution, prevent habitat destruction, source responsible seafood and limit overfishing.
• Clean Regattas: This is the world’s only sustainability certification for water-based events. Clean Regattas offers sailors, race organizers and marina managers a tool kit of 20 best practices to improve their environmental footprint. The program has been used in more than 42 states and 63 countries . More than 2,500 regattas and 700,000 sailors have participated in the program from small programs to competitors in the America’s Cup.³https://www.sailorsforthesea.org/programs/clean-regattas  To register a Clean Regatta event click here:
• Kids Environmental Lesson Plans (KELP): KELP are downloadable activities that educate junior sailors and school children about marine science and give them the tools to learn, discover and protect our precious waterways.

International SeaKeepers Society 

The International SeaKeepers Society supports marine science and conservation by using privately owned yachts as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach, and marine conservation.  The organization recognizes that vessel costs are a major constraint for research. Eliminating vessel costs enables scientists to allocate those funds to maximize research potential. Examples of the organization’s activities include:

• A Discovery Yacht Program that includes scientist-led expeditions, citizen science, and educational outreach events. The organization collaborates with a wide range of organizations and agencies.
• Educational outreach programs, community engagement around topics like marine pollution
• The Awareness through Art program encourages public awareness through the inspiration of artists.
• The SeaKeeper yacht donation program facilitates donations of yachts for use in research and education.

GOES Global Oceanic Environmental Survey was created in response to the often financially, logistically challenging scientific surveys. By harnessing the ocean-loving enthusiasm of the international sailing community and providing them with plankton sampling kits, GOES collects thousands of vitally important samples of plankton from remote places all around the globe.

Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) leverages all-volunteer boat and dive crews to remove derelict fishing nets, traps, lines, plastic, and other debris threatening ocean wildlife and habitats.  ODA has boats, divers, and onshore volunteers stationed in Southern California and the Hawaiian islands.

Oceanic Society works to improve ocean health by deepening the connections between people and nature to human behavior by connecting people to oceans through travel, and motivating personal actions to improve ocean health; defining and implementing strategies, tools, and methods to activate, sustain, and measure human behavior change; and leveraging and amplifying the impacts to new audiences.

Ocean Voyages Institute (OVI) was founded in 1979 by a group of international sailors, educators, and conservationists with a mission to teach maritime arts and sciences and preserve the world’s oceans.  OVI provides sail training and education opportunities for youth around the world.  OVI’s Kaisei Project focuses on ocean clean-up and awareness about marine debris and ocean trash.

Oceans Watch works with sailors, scientists, and the public to help coastal communities conserve their natural environments, develop sustainable livelihoods, and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Project Manaia uses a sailboat as a research platform for marine scientists.

Ocean Biodiversity

Sharks, Whales, Mantas, and Manatees

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is dedicated to protecting Australia’s ocean wildlife.  AMCS works to protect ocean ecosystems with marine reserves around the nation, including Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef. AMC has efforts to ban whaling, stopped supertrawlers, and protected threatened and endangered species like the Australian Sea Lion.

American Cetacean Society (ACS), founded in 1967, is likely the oldest whale, dolphin, and porpoise conservation group in the world.  ACS protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions. More than two million children and hundreds of thousands of adults have enjoyed ACS whale-watching trips and education programs by ACS naturalists. 

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy supports science, education, and public safety campaigns related to white sharks.

Fins Attached carries out research, promotes conservation, and provides education for the protection of the marine ecosystem. Fins Attached focuses on shark research and conservation, public awareness and education, and advocacy.

International Marine Mammal Project fights to protect dolphins, whales, and the ocean environment. The project helped to pioneer the “Dolphin Safe” tuna fishing standard, directed the historic rescue and release of the orca whale Keiko, made famous in the movie Free Willy, and are working to end the killing of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. 

Manta Trust uses research, education, and collaboration to co-ordinate global efforts to conserve mantas, their relatives, and their habitats.

Marine Connection is dedicated to the protection, conservation and welfare of dolphins, whales and porpoises. The charity addresses threats these marine mammals face through public awareness campaigns and by lobbying/liaising with decision-makers to create or change laws to ensure stronger protection for cetaceans – both in the wild and in captivity. Priority work includes ending the keeping of dolphins and whales in captivity, urging facilities to end breeding programs stopping wild captures of, and the international trade in cetaceans, raising consumer awareness about bycatch and fishing gear entanglement, and underwater noise pollution.

Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

Marine Megafauna Foundation is premised on the understanding that marine megafauna play a critical role in the health of ocean ecosystems. The organization’s mission is to save these species using pioneering research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions. The Marine Megafauan Foundation has discovered a new species of manta ray, conducted in-depth assessments to list manta rays and whale sharks on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and pioneered groundbreaking technology such as the use of satellite tags, non-invasive methods to collect DNA samples, and algorithms and photo recognition software to track marine mammal populations.

Ocean Alliance works to protect whales and their ocean environment through research, scientific collaboration, public education, and the arts.

OceanCare uses research and conservation projects, campaigns, environmental education, and involvement in international committees to improve the situation for wildlife in the world’s oceans. OceanCare has Special Consultative Status on marine issues with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration.

Pelagios Kakunjá works to protect sharks and mantas in Mexico by providing technical information for the regional management and implementation of conservation strategies for these species.  Pelagios means “open sea” in Greek and Kakunjá means “protection” in the native Guaycura language.

Save the Manatee Club was established in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett and Bob Graham, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida.  The organization’s mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations by increasing public awareness and education; sponsoring research; advocating for strong protection measures, such as boat speed zones and sanctuaries; taking legal action when needed; and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts to support manatee conservation.

Shark Allies is dedicated to the protection and conservation of sharks and rays by raising awareness and supporting initiatives that reduce the overfishing of sharks.

Shark Research Institute was the first shark conservation organization in the U.S. Founded in 1991, the organization now has projects around the world related to visual and satellite tracking, behavioral and DNA studies, environmental advocacy, publication of scientific works, and education.

Shark Stewards is dedicated to saving sharks and ocean habitat by working to ensure the survival of sharks and marine ecosystems to benefit ocean health.

Shark Team One works to protect sharks, endangered species, and ocean ecosystems through conservation campaigns and marine protected area projects. Shark Team One sponsors ecology, research, and citizen science expeditions.

Shark Trust works to safeguard the future of sharks through positive change. The organization achieves this through science, education, influence and action. Shark Trust has programs on species protection, fisheries management, and responsible trade.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) works to end captivity of whales and dolphins, stop whaling, prevent deaths in fishing gear, and creating healthy seas by reducing chemical and noise pollution, vessel strikes, prey depletion, and a changing climate threaten the lives of whales and dolphins.

Sea Turtles

Olive Ridley Project (ORP) works to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, education and outreach, and scientific research.

Sea Turtle Conservancy, founded in 1959, is the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation organization. The organization was founded as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation with the goal of saving sea turtles from extinction using science-based conservation. Today the Sea Turtle Conservancy works in the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Pacific to support sea turtle research, education, training, advocacy, and protection. 

Te mana o te moana works to implement concrete actions to understand, educate and protect the Polynesian marine environment. It has programs on sea-turtles, marine education programs, and develops and facilitates participatory networks for combining science, nature and culture.

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) completes projects based on science, fueled by people who care, to catalyze long-lasting positive change that protects the likes of green sea turtles, whale sharks and coho salmon. TIRN works with people and communities to preserve and restore critical habitats.  The organization uses grassroots empowerment, consumer action, strategic litigation, hands-on restoration, environmental education, and promotes sustainable local, national and international marine policies.

Seahorses

Project Seahorse is committed to conservation and sustainable use of the world’s coastal marine ecosystems. The organization connects research and management at scales ranging from community initiatives to international accords. Project Seahorse uses seahorses to focus efforts to find marine conservation solutions.

Coral & Divers

Blue Endeavors works to educate people through scuba diving training and citizen science on how to minimize human impact on the oceans and take action to create positive change.

Coral Morphologic creates innovative underwater media to chronicle imperiled coral reefs. Coral Morphologic's blends science and art to enamor popular culture with the beauty of coral while inspiring the next generation to restore the reefs and protect the planet.

Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) works collaboratively with communities to reduce direct threats to reefs in ways that provide lasting benefits to people and wildlife. CORAL seeks scientific understanding of how corals adapt to climate change to rally the conservation community around scalable and effective solutions for coral reefs.

Coral Restoration is working to restore coral reefs on a large scale, educating others on the importance of the world’s oceans, and using science to further coral research and coral reef monitoring techniques.  The organization engages and empowers communities with dive programs, educational activities, scientific collaborations, and outreach. The organization grows corals in offshore nurseries and then rehomes them. Since 2007, Coral Restoration has returned more than 130,000 critically endangered corals back to Florida's Coral Reef.

Coral Triangle Center works to promote the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources across the Coral Triangle in parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.

Force Blue is the only non-profit organization in the world that retrains and redeploys former Special Operations veterans and military-trained combat divers to assist in marine conservation efforts. The organization’s mission is to unite the community of Special Operations veterans with the world of marine conservation for the betterment of both.

Global Coral Reef Alliance (GCRA) is dedicated to scientific research and sustainable management of coral reefs. GCRA is a worldwide coalition of volunteer scientists, divers, environmentalists and other individuals and organizations, committed to coral reef preservation. The organization primarily focuses on coral reef restoration, and cutting-edge research on impacts of coral bleaching, global warming, marine diseases, global sea level rise, and pollution on corals. GCRA has the world’s largest collection of coral reef photographs from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation works to solve the most complex and challenging problems facing the survival of the Great Barrier Reef. The foundation directs funds at projects with large-scale impact – helping protect the coral reefs and the animals that depend on them. The Foundation works closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and is helping to deliver practical solutions and actions for the Reef more quickly, more efficiently, and more effectively.

Great Barrier Reef Legacy supports coral reef research expeditions, education, stewardship and multi-media engagement. reefs world-wide.  The organization delivers projects, innovative science, education and public engagement to accelerate actions vital to the preservation of coral reefs. Projects include The Living Coral Biobank, coral reef restoration, and citizen science programs.

Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative promotes the adoption and application of Healthy Reefs indicators by managers, policy makers and other leaders concerned with the integrity of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem; standardize the analysis and interpretation of reliable scientific data to improve reef ecosystem management; and serve as an open forum for information sharing and networking among science and conservation partners.

Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was established to help preserve, protect and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources through research, education, and outreach. The Foundation organizes large-scale scientific surveys, including the Global Reef Expedition, the world’s largest coral reef survey and high-resolution habitat mapping expedition. The Foundation works closely with scientists and partners around the world to study the health and resiliency of coral reefs.

Mother of Corals provides tools and training to enable coastal communities to create, maintain, and share artificial coral reef habitats with the public to increase environmental and economic sustainability.

Reef Check is dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests. Drawing on a global network of volunteer teams in over 40 countries and territories, the organization trains and organizes volunteer citizen scientist divers to collect data, promotes public education about reefs and the ocean, and develops ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions for reef conservation and restoration. In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey of coral reef health.  Reef Check’s EMBARC program was launched in 2018 to educate young people from disadvantaged communities.

Reef Relief Uses science for publication and advocacy to achieve conservation, protection, and restoration of coral reefs. Reef Relief advocates for coral-friendly policy, has supported ocean education to over 6,000 K-12th grade students from public and private schools throughout the Florida Keys, supports a coral-focused summer camp, and manages the Key West Marine Park and The Reef Relief Environmental Center.  Reef Relief also publishes Tips for Boaters and Fishermen.

Ocean Waste, Pollution, and Technology

5Gyres Institute contributes to the global movement against plastic pollution drawing on scientific research and engagement. The team supports expeditions  to engage diverse stakeholders in understanding support science and conduct community outreach. The organization has more than 1,800 Ambassadors in 66 countries.

Bahamas Plastic Movement (BPM) After sailing across the Pacific Ocean in 2012 to study the Western Garbage Patch, Kristal Ambrose was inspired to spark a plastic pollution revolution in the Bahamas, her home.  BPM uses research, education, and citizen science to support policy change to create a nation free of plastic debris. The organization’s Plastic Beach Project quantifies baseline data for plastic pollution The organization encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to take ownership over their plastic waste and find opportunities to refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle all plastics.

EyeSea was formed in December 2020 with a mission to map global pollution and maritime hazards. The organization uses geotagged pictures to chart maritime pollution. The goal is to use these pollution data to develop maps designed to inform and empower government and NGO environmental efforts.

Ocean Exchange works to advance the adoption of solutions in the field of sustainability, including working prototypes that reduce waste and resource use while increasing productivity and respecting culture. Ocean Exchange hosts annual events where finalists compete for one of two $100,000 cash awards and other awards.

Ocean Recovery Alliance works to reduce plastic pollution on land and water by creating strategic solutions for governments, industry, and communities. The organization’s founder, Doug Woodring, was awarded the Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco. The Ocean Recovery Alliance  founded the Plasticity Forum to encourage discussion about how design, innovation, materials, recycling and solutions can lead to a world with reduced waste. 

PlastiControl has worked to reduce the flood of global plastic through lobbying, campaigns, and education since 2007. The organization promotes solutions suitable for companies, governments, and individuals. 

Plastic Ocean Project uses field research and education to implement outreach initiatives and incubate solutions to address the global plastic pollution problem. ​ 

​Sea Bin Project works to provide practical and tangible solutions to reduce the plastics in our oceans. The Seabin project is predicated on the idea that the world’s marinas, ports, and yacht clubs are the perfect place to start helping clean our oceans. With no huge open ocean swells or storms inside the marinas, these relatively controlled environments provide the perfect locations for Seabin installations.

The Ocean Cleanup develops innovative technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. The premise for the organization is that much of the plastic that enters the oceans eventually drift into large systems of circulating ocean currents, or gyres. This plastic will eventually break down into microplastics that sea life eats. The Ocean Cleanup is developing passive ocean cleanup technology that moves with ocean currents to capture the garbage. The organization hopes to remove 50% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch every five years. Some of the captured plastic can be turned into useful products, like designer sunglasses.   The Ocean Cleanup was the brainchild of Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, who founded the organization at the age of 18. The group is working on the largest ocean cleanup in history.

The Storytellers

Ocean Lovers Festival is an annual celebration of ideas, art, music, and actions, showcasing innovations, science, state-of-the-art technology and cool ideas for helping the oceans. Staged at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach.

Ocean Media Institute (OMI)  promotes public understanding of ocean science and conservation through the collaborative creation, exhibition, and open-distribution of innovative visual media as well as artistic approaches to ocean education.

Oceanic Preservation Society uses film, photography, and social media to inspire, empower, and connect a global community of activists fighting to protect our fragile planet. The organization has produced stunning award-winning documentaries, including The Cove https://www.opsociety.org/our-work/films/the-cove/, the Academy Award® Winner for “Best Documentary of 2009, and Racing Extinction.

Ocean Protection Advocacy for Kids (OPAK) is an education organization working with youth to teach about the ocean and climate.  OPAK introduces science and pairs it with music and visual arts to give children tools to be environmental ambassadors.

One World One Ocean: The organization raises awareness about ocean degradation by showing people how amazing the ocean can be in its healthy, wild state. Shaun MacGillivray, the son of Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, is Managing Director of both One World Once Ocean and the Managing Director of MacGillivray Films, which has made some of the top grossing IMAX films of all time, including ice caves in Greenland, coral reefs of the South Pacific, the Nile, and Mt. Everest. Three of the films were about the ocean, and two—The Living Sea and Dolphins—were nominated for Oscars. Shaun McGillivray is also producer of “One World One Ocean”.

Plastic Oceans International works to end plastic pollution and to foster sustainable communities worldwide. The organization does through education, activism, advocacy and science. The US-based organization has branches in Canada, Chile, Europe, and Mexico.

Safina Center works to advance the case for life on Earth by fusing scientific understanding, emotional connection, and a moral call to action using a blend of inspiring science, art, and literature in the form of award-winning books and articles, scientific research, photography, films, sound-art, and spoken words.  The Safina Center Fellows Program supports world-recognized writers, artists, and filmmakers. The Safina Center was founded by award-winning author and ecologist Dr. Carl Safina.

Sea Legacy combines photography, communications, and digital and social technologies to support ocean conservation. Sea Legacy leads expeditions that allow leading photographers and filmmakers to capture the beauty of and threats to oceans, uses media from these experiences to fuel global conservation campaigns, and amplifies and funds inspiring projects.  The organization has millions of followers on social media.

Sea Save Foundation is a science based ocean conservation organization that leverages the power of education, imagery, and calls to action to catalyze ocean protection. The organization was created from the concept that images are a powerful tool for action.

The Jellyfish Project collaborates with musicians to deliver informative and engaging presentations about the environmental to students. The organization focuses on ocean health and climate change, well as individual and collective actions the audience can take to become effective environmental stewards.

The Watermen Project a small team of storytellers using conversations to bring awareness on the importance of healthy oceans.

Underwater Earth has a vision to reveal the ocean to the world. Its first big idea: taking Google Street View underwater. Underwater Earth also sponsors virtual reality films, surveys, education programs, and outreach.

Fishing & Sea Food

Blue Ventures develops innovative approaches to catalyze and sustain locally-led marine conservation. The organization works in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies. Blue Ventures has helped to created the largest Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in the Indian Ocean, built sustainable aquaculture businesses, and developed approaches for integrating community health services with marine conservation.

Fishwise works to sustain ocean ecosystems and the people who depend on them by transforming global seafood supply chains. FishWise works with the seafood industry to foster leadership in sustainability. The organization believes that the seafood industry not only has serious impacts on the health of oceans and the welfare of its workers, but also the potential to make an enormous contribution to the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Global Fishing Watch promotes ocean sustainability through greater transparency. The organization uses cutting-edge technology to visualize, track and share data about global fishing activity in near real-time and for free.

Montery Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: Seafood Watch is a leader in the global sustainable seafood movement. The program helps consumers and businesses make choices for a healthy ocean.  For over two decades Seafood Watch has provided trusted seafood recommendations and collaborates with businesses, governments, consumers and numerous partners worldwide. By 2030, Seafood Watch aims to have 75% of global seafood production assessed.

People & Places

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) is a collaborative effort by conservation organizations from around the world to protect the Antarctic and Southern Ocean’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems by providing a unified voice of the NGO community.  ASOC has official observer status within the Antarctic Treaty regime. ASOC is working to create a network of marine reserves and marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean that will set aside areas representative of most major Antarctic marine habitats.

Blue Marine Foundation works to securing marine protected areas, develop models of sustainable fishing, restoring marine habitats, and connecting people with the sea.

Instituto Mar Adentro promotes knowledge and management of aquatic ecosystems. Headquartered in Rio de Jeniero, the organization works to produce and disseminate knowledge about aquatic ecosystems, encourage people's involvement with environmental conservation, and collaborates to benefit the citizens of today and future generations.

National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation works to conserve U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The organization has programs in science and conservation, community engagement, education and outreach, and Capitol Hill Ocean Week.

Okeanos Foundation works to empower Pacific Island people to implement traditionally based sustainable sea transportation to ensure independence, cultural revival, and ocean stewardship. The organization supports traditional knowledge as solution, adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Okeanos also promotes ocean and environmental awareness through professional storytelling, such as the feature films Racing Extinction and The Starchasers. Their Pacific-designed sailing canoes, ‘vakas,’ use green energy, the wind and the sun, and operate in 11 Pacific countries.

Ocean Revolution advocates for effective interactions between indigenous people and other stakeholders to promote oceans conservation. The organization supports dialogue that engages traditional knowledge of indigenous people, 21st century tools, and the customary ocean practices of resource users.

Point Blue is a network of scientists working to reduce the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental threats while developing nature-based solutions to benefit both wildlife and people. Point Blue partners with land and water managers, fishermen, ranchers, farmers, cities, counties, and others to improve the health of our planet. The organization has been assessing changes in the environment and advancing conservation through bird and ecosystem studies since it was founded as Point Reyes Bird Observatory in 1965.

Restore America’s Estuaries represents a national network working to support coastal habitat restoration by funding and implementing restoration projects and addressing emerging issues, including climate change and estuary economics.

Seacology works to protect threatened island ecosystems, particularly mangroves, peatlands, and seagrass, by working with communities, helping them to preserve their cultures, and improve their lives.

SeaWatch is concerned with declining fish populations in the Sea of Cortez. SeaWatch helps former illegal fisherman to patrol the local waters of the Sea of Cortez to stop illegal fishing.  SeaWatch works with local communities and organizations to recover fisheries in the Sea of Cortez and the Bay of La Paz.

Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is a science-based organization that works to protect Africa’s marine resources for the benefit of all who live on the continent. The organization has a vision to grow a network of stakeholders in the conservation and waste-management sectors to facilitate best practices around conservation of our seas, and the management of the waste that flows into them.

Science, Research, and Education

Algalita empowers young people to think critically, demand action, and be agents for change. Founder Captain Charles Moore was one of the first to discover the massive area of plastic soup floating in the Pacific Ocean.

Earthwatch has paired citizen science volunteers from all walks of life with scientists to study and protect threatened species and ecosystems since 1971 in more than 130 countries. Earthwatch supports scientific research that informs the development of policies and management plans to conserve and restore ecosystem services, biodiversity, and community resilience. A pioneer in the field of citizen science, Earthwatch brings scientists, citizen science volunteers, and community members together to support a more sustainable future. Earthwatch’s ocean ecosystems programs works to conserve biodiversity in marine ecosystems, including open oceans, seas, coral reefs, seagrass beds, kelp forests, and coastal areas, including estuaries, mangrove forests, and saltwater marshes.

Ocean Conservation Research is focused on understanding the scope of, and exploring solutions to the growing problem of human generated noise pollution and its impact on marine animals. The organization engages in marine biological and technological research based to inform policies and practice of the public, industry, and lawmakers to become stewards of the sea.

Ocean Doctor, originally founded as 1planet1ocean, is dedicated to protecting and restoring oceans through hands-on conservation. The organization conducts and disseminates research to inform conservation policy, with a special emphasis on Cuba through Cuba Conservancy, a program of international collaboration for research and conservation in Cuba, and Ocean Doctor’s 50-States Expedition, a journey to schools in all 50 States to deliver inspirational education programs to students about the oceans and careers in science.

Ocean First Institute promotes ocean conservation through research and education to empower future generations to preserve our ocean. The organizations in-person and virtual education programs have inspired over 140,000 students around the world to take action within their local communities while its field-based research expeditions have exposed students to the rigors of the scientific process and how it contributes to conservation.

Ocean First Education includes educators, scientists, divers, and explorers who seek to promote greater understanding and appreciation of marine science and ocean conservation through multidisciplinary education programs.

Ocean Sanctuaries works to provide opportunities for people to do marine citizen science.

Oikonos tudies and protects imperiled ecosystems by engaging diverse communities through innovative scientific and artistic collaborations. Their expertise includes community-based conservation, habitat restoration ecosystem research, conservation tools development, education and training, and endemic and threatened species.

Oceans General

Blue Ocean Planet uses diverse projects, from workshops in schools to conservation projects and public events, to support marine conservation across the UK and the World.

Marine Conservation Society seeks to lead political, cultural and social change for healthy seas and coasts that support abundant marine wildlife, sustainable livelihoods and enjoyment for all. The organization has programs to encourage sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, clean seas, and ocean recovery.

Project AWARE connects the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation. AWARE focuses on community and policy with the understanding that when both are working together, change happens.

Sea Save stands witness to the health of the oceans and the threats they face by documenting problems, developing solutions, and empowering people with knowledge and tools so they can make a difference. Sea Save Foundation has worked with the United Nations (UN) and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) by attending every UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ocean Conference meeting. The organization works with UN member nations to set ambitious goals to protect oceans around the world.

Donors, Influencers, and Networks

Many of the organizations listed elsewhere this blog have grant making programs. The following are organizations have particularly strong grants programs.

Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is made up of more than 80 non-government organizations, fishers organizations and law and policy institutes worldwide working together under the umbrella of the DSCC to protect vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems. DSCC has two main goals: To substantially reduce the greatest threats to life in the deep sea, and to safeguard the long-term health, integrity and resilience of deep-sea ecosystems.

Friends of Ocean Action is a coalition of over 50 ocean leaders who work to fast-track solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the ocean. Its members come from business, civil society, international organizations, science, and technology. The group is convened by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute.

International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal partnership between nations and organizations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world.

Lighthouse Foundation focuses on the sea and the humans. Finding new answers to the global ecological crisis is at the heart of the foundation’s work.

MarineBio Conservation Society (MarineBio) is a nonprofit volunteer marine conservation and science education group working online to educate the world about ocean life, marine biology, marine conservation, and to provide a sea ethic for people to follow.

Marine Fish Conservation Network is a coalition of commercial and recreational fishing associations, regional and national conservation groups, aquaria, and marine science organizations dedicated to defending and strengthening US’s primary federal fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, in order to sustain abundant fish populations, healthy marine ecosystems, and thriving fishing communities

Oceans 5 is an international funders’ collaborative comprised of philanthropists dedicated to protecting the world’s five oceans. Oceans 5 donors focus their investments and support on large, opportunistic projects and campaigns to establish marine reserves and constrain overfishing.

The Ocean Foundation has a mission is to support, strengthen, and promote those organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world. The organization focuses its collective expertise on emerging threats in order to generate cutting edge solutions and better strategies for implementation.

The Ocean Project is a  network of partners that coordinate and collaborate to grow the global movement for a more equitable and sustainable society and a healthy blue planet. The Ocean Project catalyzes and supports collaborative action for conservation in partnership with aquariums, zoos, museums, youth leaders, and others in a growing global network. The organization’s work is based on the values of collaboration, inclusion, impact, and a respect for all people and life on our blue planet.

The Pew Charitable Trusts uses evidence-based, nonpartisan analysis to solve today's important challenges. Founded in 1948, Pew has more than 40 active campaigns in 46 countries. Pew’s ocean work includes efforts to create large marine reserves; end illegal fishing; protect key species such as penguins, sharks, tuna and forage fish; and establish policies that protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems. The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation awards prestigious fellowships annually to midcareer professionals.

Protected Areas and Habitat

Marine Conservation Institute, an active member of the High Seas Alliance, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition and National Ocean Protection Coalition, works to defend and advance marine protection. The Institute has worked to protect vital deep-sea habitats off the California coast, conserve coral ecosystems, and promote protection of fragile, hard-to-find living treasures.

Surf the Waves has a goal to protect 1000 surf ecosystems by 2030.  The organization creates protected areas through its flagship World Surfing Reserve program and Surf Protected Area Networks, manages projects around the world and encourage coastal stewardship through our Save The Waves App, and mounts international campaigns to defend surf ecosystems under threat and inspire the public to take action.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), founded in 1967, is dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva and in the surrounding watershed. SCCF is now the largest private landowner on Sanibel Island, managing more than 1,200 acres on Sanibel plus more than 600 additional acres on surrounding islands. The organizations programs include a Native Landscapes & Garden Center, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Sea Turtle & Shorebird Research and Monitoring, Environmental Education, Natural Resource Policy, a Marine Laboratory, and the Sanibel Sea School.

Oceanographic Institutions

There are many dozens of world-class oceanographic institutions and university programs around the world. For a comprehensive list organized by region see the list put together by MarineBio. Below are some of the world’s most impactful oceanographic institutes.

• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
• CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere Research
• Duke University Marine Laboratory
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
• Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• Shoals Marine Laboratory
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Conclusion

We hope you found this list valuable. Please share and pass it along if you did! As we noted at the beginning, for all the great organizations we include, we know there will be some great ones we missed, particularly those with web pages published in languages other than English. If you know of a worthy organization that we should consider adding, spot an error, or identify information that should be updated, let us know!