Topics include: Climate Change; Marine Pollution (inc plastics, litter); Policy/Governance; Water Quality
Country/Region: Europe-Wide
For more than 30 years, Surfrider Foundation Europe has been protecting, safeguarding and enhancing the oceans and the entire population that benefits from them. It acts on a daily basis to fight against damage to the coastal environment and its users.
Topics include: Marine Pollution (inc plastics, litter); Policy/Governance
Country/Region: UK
From a handful of activists to a nationwide movement… …over the last 30 years Surfers Against Sewage has grown into one of the UK’s most successful marine conservation and campaigning charities. And we’re still growing. For people to thrive and live life to the fullest, the ocean must thrive too. And so we need to confront all that threatens it. We are a campaigning charity made up of water lovers who protect the ocean and all it makes possible. We take action on the ground that triggers change at the top. Action from the beachfront, to the front-bench.
Through our innovative and ambitious campaigning and education programmes, we’re building a community that cares deeply about the planet we live on. That cares passionately about the ocean. And that knows the difference people power can really make.
The heritage of our organisation is anchored in the ocean. Yet our reach and influence now permeates communities and institutions nationwide.
Topics include: Conservation; Marine Pollution (inc plastics, litter); Ocean Literacy; Policy/Governance
Country/Region: Croatia
Sunce is a non-governmental, non-party and non-profit organization founded in 1998, which today, in addition to members and volunteers, also has a team of employees, experts from various fields, united in achieving environmental and nature protection goals.
Based on numerous achieved successes, Sunce is nationally and internationally present as one of the leading organizations for nature and environmental protection in Croatia. We base our activities on current scientific indicators and examples of good practice, expertise and many years of experience in the field of nature and environmental protection.
We are here to protect the interests and the public’s right to a healthy environment, and create solutions to conservation and rational use of natural resources for the benefit of all citizens. // Sunce je nevladina, nestranačka i neprofitna organizacija osnovana 1998. godine koja danas, uz članove i volontere ima i tim zaposlenika, stručnjaka iz različitih područja, ujedinjenih u postizanju ciljeva zaštite okoliša i prirode.
Sunce je, na osnovu brojnih postignutih uspjeha, nacionalno i međunarodno prisutno kao jedna od vodećih organizacija za zaštitu prirode i okoliša u Hrvatskoj. Naše djelovanje temeljimo na aktualnim znanstvenim pokazateljima i primjerima dobre prakse, stručnosti i dugogodišnjem iskustvu u području zaštite prirode i okoliša.
Tu smo kako bismo štitili interes i pravo javnosti na zdrav okoliš, poticali primjenu i stvarali rješenja za očuvanje prirode i okoliša i razumno korištenje prirodnih resursa na dobrobit svih građana.
Topics include: Conservation; Fisheries; Marine Pollution (inc plastics, litter); Renewable energy
Country/Region: North Sea
Visie Wij staan voor een schone en gezonde Noordzee die duurzaam wordt gebruikt.
Missie Wij werken aan het bereiken van een gezond ecosysteem dat invloeden van buiten weerbaar en veerkrachtig opvangt. Volgens ons moet de Noordzeenatuur altijd het uitgangspunt zijn voor duurzaam gebruik. We komen op voor de Noordzee en werken samen met andere partijen aan oplossingen voor huidige en toekomstige uitdagingen op de Noordzee.
Kernwaarden Stichting De Noordzee bestaat uit gepassioneerde en intelligente professionals die werken vanuit de kernwaarden: onafhankelijk, science-based, samen en oplossingsgericht.
Topics include: Fisheries; Tuna
Country/Region: Comoros; Kenya; Madagascar; Mauritius; Mozambique; Seychelles; Tanzania
South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA), SWIOTUNA is a regional marine-related network registered in Kenya as an international NGO with its membership drawn from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), community fisheries collective action units and Private Sector from the coastal nations and island states of Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Comoros, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. In Kenya we work with Tuna Fisheries Alliance of Kenya (TuFAK), in Tanzania we work with Tuna Alliance of Tanzania (TUNA), in Mozambique we work with Forum for CSOs for Marine and Coastal Areas (FOSCAMC), in Madagascar we work with Coalition Nationale de Plaidoyer Environmental (CNPE). In Mauritius and Seychelles we work in partnership with a network of fishers called Federation of the Fishers of the Indian Ocean (FPAOI).
The forum provides a capacity-building opportunity to the CSOs working on marine and fisheries-related issues to advocate for sustainable use, development, and management of marine fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) range states to ensure that the respective countries and local communities derive more socio-economic benefits from their fisheries resources.
The aim of the network is to influence, shape and lobby for effective fisheries and marine resources conservation and management policies and programs as well as transparent and accountable ocean governance processes in the South West Indian Ocean region. We empower coastal communities and country-level latent networks through self-organizing, communicative, and collective action.
The formulation and implementation of effective fisheries management and development policies play a vital role in ensuring stock sustainability and enhancing socio-economic benefits for local communities and Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) range states. SWIOTUNA members have actively contributed to the development of relevant policies, fishery-specific management plans, and necessary policy reforms. They have participated in creating national tuna strategies, the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, and regional Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTC) for granting fisheries access.
Additionally, we are engaged in promoting the sustainable blue economy agenda. At the national level, our members have been involved in crafting pertinent policies and management plans tailored to specific fisheries. Regionally, we are affiliated with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, the Nairobi Convention, and the UNEP Civil Society Platform, where we advocate for the voices of communities and small-scale fishers in decision-making processes.
Topics include: Capacity Building/Training; Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates and sawfish); Ocean Literacy; Policy/Governance
Country/Region: South Africa
The South African Shark Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting sharks. We conduct research on shark biology, behavior, and ecology to better understand their role in the marine ecosystem. Our lab is located in Hermanus with the sharkiest waters on the coast.
Our work also includes collaboration with government agencies and other non-profits to develop effective conservation policies. We believe in educating the public about the importance of sharks and their conservation.
Through our outreach programs, including talks and events, we aim to raise awareness about shark conservation. The Shark Academy is our academic field school that offers courses and internships for marine conservation research.
If you’re interested in studying marine biology or shark research, our Shark Academy is the perfect opportunity. Our hands-on training programs provide practical experience for those passionate about marine conservation.
We’re proud of the work we do to protect sharks in South Africa and beyond. Our efforts are making a difference in the conservation of these vital and misunderstood ocean animals. Join us in our mission to preserve and protect sharks for future generations.
Topics include: Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates and sawfish); Ocean Literacy; Policy/Governance
Country/Region: USA
Shark Stewards works to eliminate the global shark fin trade, through education and policy change from the USA to Asia, especially in the major import and consumption hubs of Malaysia, Singapore and China.
We work in policy to stop the overfishing of sharks and rays at the state, national and international level. Advocacy and introducing shark trade bans, increasing fisheries management in California, and building enforcement into international treaties have proven effective to reduce impacts on global shark populations. Our data, reports and comments to fisheries management organizations like the US National Marine Fisheries Service groups like the Pacific Fisheries Regional Management Council, United Nations Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RMFO) and the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) influences decisions that protect sharks in national and international waters. Our work supports the establishment, implementation and monitoring of marine protected areas in the USA and in SE Asia and maintaining compliance and support through education.
Topics include: Capacity Building/Training; Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates and sawfish); Ocean Literacy
Country/Region: South Africa
OUR GOAL Driving Marine Conservation Through Research, Education, and Field Training Established in 2005 as a non-profit organization, Sharklife is dedicated to protecting marine environments through research, conservation initiatives, and education. Operating within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, we collaborate closely with local management and researchers to collect data and develop effective conservation strategies. Through our work, we aim to inspire future generations of marine scientists and conservationists. A highlight for many young scientists is our hands-on marine internship program.
Sharklife is driven by a strong ethical commitment to fostering empathy for marine life and addressing the public’s disconnection from the ocean. With a focus on shifting societal norms and challenging harmful practices, such as the glorification of trophy catches and catch-and-release fishing for sharks, we strive to create meaningful change. While our vision is idealistic—centering on the protection and understanding of marine ecosystems—it is firmly grounded in pragmatic action. By tackling root causes, prioritizing education, and avoiding sensationalism, we deliver results-driven, conservation-focused initiatives that bridge the gap between ideals and actionable solutions.
Topics include: Alien or Invasive Species; Conservation; Ocean Literacy
Country/Region: Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) is a non-profit charitable organisation that was established as a public trust by the government of Seychelles in 1979. SIF manages and protects the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai and has the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, as Patron. SIF is managed by a Board of Trustees of 15 members who are appointed by the President. This board represents individuals and organisations from both Seychelles and overseas who are concerned with the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and bring relevant expertise and knowledge to the management of SIF.
SIF is the longest established local organisation working in nature conservation in Seychelles and has taken a pioneering management approach by twinning the two sites. The foundation is mandated and dedicated to ensuring that the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Seychelles are well-managed protected areas where conservation, research, education and tourism are sustainably balanced. A major focus is on scientific research to direct, support and improve the evidence base for conservation management of the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of these two very different sites.
To successfully operate and protect two World Heritage sites which are more than 1000 km apart, each with their specific set of challenges, SIF relies on income generated primarily by entrance fees and sales from the Vallée de Mai. This is supplemented by project funding, grants and donations. Aldabra does provide some direct income through visitor impact fees but piracy in the Western Indian Ocean has compromised this source of revenue in recent years. SIF’s work with and management of these sites will continue to be dependent on visitor numbers and the generosity of our supporters and funders for the foreseeable future.
Topics include: Sea Turtles
Country/Region: Global
Initially created as "Turtle Tidings" in 1996, SEATURTLE.ORG was founded out of a desire to support research and conservation efforts in the sea turtle community. This goal is achieved primarily through the SEATURTLE.ORG website and has included providing online access to the Marine Turtle Newsletter and supporting registration and administration of the Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. More recently, we have begun to add centralized database management systems to help organizations working to conserve sea turtles to manage, organize and share their data. These include the Satellite Tracking and Analysis System (STAT), the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Necropsy Database (STRAND) and the Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring System (STNMS). These tools are available for use by all sea turtle organizations.
Additional efforts include the sea turtle links, the definitive list of sea turtle resources on the web and the sea turtle news archive. SEATURTLE.ORG also provides an online home to other organizations such as the Marine Turtle Research Group, the International Sea Turtle Society, and the North Carolina Sea Turtle Project.
Topics include: Conservation; Ocean Literacy; Sea Turtles
Country/Region: Caribbean
The Sea Turtle Conservancy, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. An international nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, Sea Turtle Conservancy was founded in 1959 by world-renowned sea turtle expert Dr. Archie Carr to save sea turtles from imminent extinction through rigorous science-based conservation.
Headquartered in Florida, the organization carries out worldwide programs to conserve and recover sea turtle populations through research, education, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend. Over the course of over 60 years, Sea Turtle Conservancy’s research programs have yielded much of what is now known about sea turtles and the threats they face, and the organization is applying this knowledge to carry out the world’s most successful sea turtle protection and recovery programs.
Topics include: Coastal Communities; Enviornment/Sustainability; Islands; Socioeconomics
Country/Region: Global
Islands are home to unique plant and animal species–and if they disappear from an island, they are lost to the entire world forever. With Seacology’s unique win-win strategy, we work directly with island communities, responding to their needs and supporting their efforts at conservation.
Topics include: Restoration/Rehabilitation; Seagrass; Sirenia (manatees, dugongs); Wildlife rescue
Country/Region: USA
Save the Manatee Club is an award-winning national nonprofit 501(c)(3) and membership-based organization established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, and the late former U.S. Senator Bob Graham when he was governor of Florida.
Our Mission Save the Manatee Club’s mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations.
Our Objective The Club’s objective is the recovery and protection of manatees and their aquatic ecosystems throughout the world.
Topics include: Capacity Building/Training; Marine Pollution (inc plastics, litter); Ocean Literacy
Country/Region: Madagascar
We marry conservation with social development by facilitating sustainable livelihoods and education as a countermeasure to over-exploitation. Our goal is to protect both marine and coastal habitats, and provide a self-sustaining pathway to poverty alleviation in the impoverished rural communities of Southwest Madagascar. We have worked in the Bay of Ranobe for 20 years, establishing long-standing harmony and effective partnerships with local communities.
Topics include: Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates and sawfish); Environment/Sustainability
Country/Region: Global
The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is a philanthropic organization established in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 23, 2003. Dedicated to the conservation of marine life, particularly sharks, rays, and skates, SOSF supports research, education, and conservation projects worldwide.
Mission and Philosophy SOSF's mission is to protect life in our oceans by funding innovative and impactful projects that enhance understanding and conservation of marine ecosystems. The foundation emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating research, education, and conservation efforts to foster long-term change. Core values include collaboration, innovation, commitment, and a focus on early-career professionals to ensure sustainable ocean conservation.
Global Impact Since its inception, SOSF has funded over 500 projects across 91 countries. These initiatives aim to address critical issues such as overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change, which threaten marine biodiversity. In 2023, the foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary by launching the SOSF Conservation Fellowship, supporting early-career individuals working on shark and ray projects in resource-limited countries .
Research and Education Centres SOSF operates several research and education centres globally:
Shark Education Centre (Cape Town, South Africa): Established in 2008, this centre offers educational programs and exhibits to raise awareness about sharks and their conservation.
D’Arros Research Centre (Seychelles): Since 2012, this centre has conducted scientific research on marine biodiversity, focusing on threatened species and ecosystems.
Shark Research Center (Florida, USA): Located at Nova Southeastern University, this centre specializes in advanced research on shark biology and conservation.
Partnerships and Collaborations SOSF collaborates with various organizations and institutions to enhance its conservation efforts.
Legacy and Future With a strong foundation in research and storytelling, SOSF continues to inspire global audiences to engage in marine conservation. Through its projects and collaborations, the foundation strives to ensure a sustainable future for ocean ecosystems and the diverse species they support.
Topics include: Capacity Building/Training; Coastal Communities; Conservation; Ocean Literacy
Country/Region: Honduras
PROGRAMS A community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Honduras’ marine and coastal ecosystems. We work closely with communities to provide education, training and improve the conservation of marine ecosystems and associated species. Our mission is accomplished through our broad range of programs and resources, none of which would be possible without the support of our local community, partners, and donors.
We work in the Bay Islands National Marine Park (BINMP), the largest marine protected area in Honduras with approximately 650,000 hectares. The BINMP, is part of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), the second-largest barrier reef in the world and shared by four countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its biodiversity contributes economically to the livelihood and social wellbeing of all of those that live and visit this region.
Topics include: Coastal Communities; Technology
Country/Region: USA
We envision a world where:
View of Earth from space Everyone has access to locally-sourced, healthy food.
Clean water supports communities and healthy oceans.
Energy is derived from renewable sources.
People support sustainable entrepreneurship and circular economies.
We envision a world where connected human and natural systems thrive.
Our Mission
We catalyze local capacity & develop nature-based solutions to create communities where connected human and natural systems thrive.
Ridge to Reefs works with communities to achieve tangible outcomes creating permanent sustainability for people and the planet. Through the process of identifying environmental and social challenges, designing innovative solutions, and working with local partners and community members, we catalyze local capacity and implement nature-based solutions to support communities where connected human and natural systems thrive.
Topics include: Conservation; Estuaries; Restoration/Rehabilitation
Country/Region: USA
RAE, its member organizations, its affiliate members and grantees collaborate to protect and restore coastal habitats nationwide for the benefit of all people. We have unmatched national reach and effectiveness; our projects restore coastal wetlands, open fish passages, remove invasive species, build living shorelines, transplant seagrasses, replant salt marshes, and restore shellfish habitat.
Vision
We envision a future in which bays and estuaries are healthy, thriving, accessible and resilient ecosystems and managed for the benefit of all people and nature.
Mission
Restore America’s Estuaries is committed to protecting and restoring bays and estuaries as essential resources for our nation.
Topics include: Conservation; Coral Reefs
Country/Region: India
ReefWatch has served on the National Board for Wildlife, Government of India. We have had the privilege of working with many dedicated and inspiring individuals in the fields of science, government, filmmaking, photography and the media. Our efforts are targeted towards protecting and nurturing the diversity of life in India’s coastal and marine environments. We currently have projects in Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat and the Andaman Islands.
Topics include: Coral Reefs; Restoration/Rehabilitation
Country/Region: Australia
We are the forerunners of assisted reef adaptation on the Great Barrier Reef In early 2016, record ocean temperatures led to intense and widespread coral bleaching in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef. In early 2017, it happened again, this time in the central third of the Great Barrier Reef. The unprecedented back-to-back mass coral bleaching events was then compounded in March 2017 by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
In May 2017, the Reef Authority convened a Reef Summit where it was concluded that the frequency and severity of disturbances required a different approach to management. A key outcome was to permit intervention in the natural process of recovery.
Resilient Reefs, then known as Reef Restoration Foundation, incorporated on 11 July 2017 and secured the first permit on 13 October 2017. We installed the first ocean-based multi-species coral nursery on the Great Barrier Reef at Fitzroy Island on 7 December 2017.
