AOCA proactively encourages and lobbies for commercial, corporate and government policies and practices that provide sustainable marine conservation. AOCA is well known for its unique campaign work, exciting research projects and education and awareness initiatives, and its role in being prepared to speak out for those who cannot. We have achieved considerable success during a very short space of time and considered leaders of shark conservation in South Africa. Fish Hoek, 7975, South Africa

Since 1961, the American Littoral Society has empowered people to care for the coast through programs focused on education, advocacy, and conservation. Founded by divers and naturalists with a desire to explore and protect the littoral zone, today our more than 5,000 members in 49 states are scientists, naturalists, environmentalists, divers, fishing enthusiasts, and citizens from all walks of life. From our headquarters in Highlands, New Jersey and satellite offices in Trenton and Millville NJ and Broad Channel, NY, we protect and restore special places including Barnegat Bay, Delaware Bay, Jamaica Bay, and Sarasota Bay. Highlands, New Jersey

For more than 25 years, the American River Conservancy (ARC) has been preserving rivers and land for life. As a non-profit community organization in the central Sierra Nevada foothills, we work to preserve natural areas and cultural resources and build an enduring ethic of care, building a sustainable future for humans in harmony with nature. Coloma, California

Saving rivers isn't a choice. It's survival. Our vision is to keep rivers healthy and free while ensuring people have the water they need. We do it by protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers and conserving clean water for people and nature. Nearly everyone in our country lives within a mile of a river but few know what that river provides. Much of our drinking water comes directly from rivers, and clean water is essential to our health. Natural river habitats support thousands of plant and animal species. Our crops and cities alike depend on abundant river water for growth. For many of us, rivers offer recreation and a way to connect to nature. Our rivers are threatened by climate change, unnecessary dams, pollution, floods, and outdated policies. Perhaps the greatest threat to our rivers is simply lack of awareness of their importance to our lives. American Rivers tackles these challenges head on. Washington, DC

The AMLC is a confederation of 38 marine research, education, and resource management institutions endeavoring to encourage the production and exchange of research and resource management information, advance the cause of marine and environmental education in the region, and facilitate cooperation and mutual assistance among its membership. We also have more than 160 Individual Members with professional research and management interests in the Region. The Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean (AMLC) was founded in 1957 by marine researchers with interests in the marine science of the tropical Atlantic and the Caribbean. Founded primarily as a scientific organization, the strength of AMLC lies in the diversity of its member laboratories and the extensive expertise of its membership. Institutional, Individual Scientist and Student memberships are available. Headquarters in Holmes Beach, Florida

We are a non-profit organisation located in the British Virgin Islands, dedicated to the preservation & sustainability of our marine resources for all future generations. ARK is committed to provide assistance in collecting information used to determine short and long-term changes of the marine environment which will ultimately aid government departments in determining effective marine resource management strategies. ARK is also committed to promote local outreach programmes aimed at educating and empowering the local community. Road Town, Tortola, BVI

The Australian Marine Conservation Society is Australia's only national charity dedicated exclusively to protecting ocean wildlife and their homes. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia's ocean wildlife. We are an independent charity, staffed by a committed group of professional and passionate scientists, educators and advocates who have defended Australia's oceans for over 45 years. Our paid and volunteer staff work every day on behalf of the community to protect our ocean wildlife. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife. A grassroots organization focused not on protecting one specific species, river or hunting area but on ecosystem-wide conservation across the continent. The backcountry voice can be heard from the lonely tundra of Alaska to the raucous chambers of Congress in Washington, D.C. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is now, more than ever, advancing positive change for North America's hunting and fishing heritage. Based in Montana

The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation's mission is to protect marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine through education, research and conservation. We strive to learn more about the Gulf of Maine, and particularly an important habitat called Jeffreys Ledge, and then bring our research to the public through a variety of outreach programs. We hope by sharing information with the public and resource managers, more people will be inspired to learn more about the marine environment and help protect it. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The Center for Ocean Leadership is the new home for programs formerly run by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (COL). Upon its dissolution in September 2022, certain COL programs transferred to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. This transition marks a historic partnership between the oceanic and atmospheric science communities and will help researchers advance the study of Earth as an interconnected system. The Center for Ocean Leadership manages, coordinates, and facilitates ocean research and education programs and areas of Ocean Exploration, Ocean Observing, and Informal education. COL has a proven track record of shaping the future of ocean science and technology through discovery, understanding, and action. Boulder, Colorado

Founded in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay. Serving as a watchdog, we fight for effective, science-based solutions to the pollution degrading the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. Our motto, "Save the Bay," is a regional rallying cry for pollution reduction throughout the Chesapeake's six-state, 64,000-square-mile watershed, which is home to more than 17 million people and 3,000 species of plants and animals. Annapolis, Maryland

The purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote, and enhance the present and future availability of those coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public. Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization with 17 coastal state chapters spanning the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic seaboard, and the Pacific Northwest. The CCA network is engaged in hundreds of local, state, and national projects that initiate scientific studies; fund marine-science scholarships; build artificial reefs; create finfish hatcheries; initiate hydrologic and contaminant studies; monitor freshwater inflows; support local marine law enforcement; and more. Houston, Texas

The Coastal States Organization (CSO) was established in 1970 to represent the Governors of the nation's thirty-five coastal states, commonwealths and territories on legislative and policy issues relating to the sound management of coastal, Great Lakes and ocean resources. Economically, socially and geographically, the states are as diverse as their individual coastlines, yet their commitment to common objectives in coastal and ocean management is what shapes CSO's unique character. By speaking with "one voice" through CSO, states are more influential than by acting individually.

Has worked since 1988 to strengthen citizen protection of the Delaware River and its tributary watersheds. Established in 1988 upon the appointment of the Delaware Riverkeeper, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization. DRN's professional staff and volunteers work throughout the entire Delaware River Watershed including portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York. Bristol, Pennsylvania

Friends of Reservoirs was established in 2010. Our goal is to promote the protection, restoration, and enhancement of habitat for fish and other aquatic species in reservoir systems nationwide. We are committed to integrating watershed conservation, in-reservoir management, and the management of downstream flows to attain more holistic and coherent strategies for addressing aquatic habitat impairment issues in reservoir systems.

Georgia Strait Alliance's mission is to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities. Since 1990, Georgia Strait Alliance has been the only citizen's group focused on protecting the marine environment in and around the whole Strait of Georgia -- the place where most British Columbians live, work and play. Nanaimo, BC Canada

Ghost Diving is a registered charity founded in 2012 and run by technical divers who have specialized in the removal of lost fishing gear and other marine debris since 2009. The organization was previously known as Ghost Fishing Foundation. Ghost Diving is the largest and most experienced global diving organization focused on the "ghost fishing" phenomenon with a track record in a wide variety of countries and international waters. 'Ghost fishing' is a common term that describes what happens when derelict fishing gear 'continues to fish', another term used is abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). Ghost divers are operating in their free time and carry out innovative and challenging nature conservation projects independent or with the help of known and unknown fellow environmental organizations. Our efforts have brought the phenomenon of 'ghost fishing' to the attention of the public through key international collaborations, inspiring underwater photography, and unparalleled results. "Ghost fishing gear is everywhere, but so are we!" Based in the Netherlands

Global Fishing Watch is the result of a partnership between Oceana, SkyTruth and Google that identifies apparent fishing activity and provides the world's first global view of commercial fishing. Global Fishing Watch is an online tool that allows anyone in the world with an internet connection to see what 35,000 of the world’s largest commercial fishing vessels are doing, and to track them in near-real time, for free. Our purpose is to create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. We use cutting-edge technology to turn big data into actionable information. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the good of all. Global Fishing Watch partners with leading scientific institutions to produce new open-source datasets and analyses and understand the most critical challenges facing our ocean. Washington, DC

Green Marine is the leading environmental certification program for North America’s maritime industry. It is a voluntary initiative that helps its participants to improve their environmental performance beyond regulations. Green Marine targets key environmental issues related to air, water and soil quality, biodiversity protection, and community relations. Offices in Quebec City, QC Canada, and Seattle, Washington

GulfBase is a database of resources about the Gulf of Mexico. The goal of this website is to regroup, synthesize, and make freely available Gulf of Mexico research information. Our vision is that GulfBase will help researchers, policy makers, and the general public work together to insure long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. GulfBase is a project of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The Guy Harvey Foundation collaborates with local and international organizations to conduct scientific research and host educational programs aimed at better understanding and conserving the ocean environment. The Guy Harvey Foundation and our partners are on a mission. A mission to bring marine science literacy and ocean conservation issues to schools, teachers and students in the US and abroad by providing and implementing free and accredited marine science courses. Kids can now learn and get excited about our oceans and become the next stewards of our planet. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Healthy Seas is a registered charity founded in 2013 to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon that is responsible for the needless death of marine animals. Through cleanups with volunteer divers and by working with stakeholders of the fishing sector toward marine litter prevention, we collect waste nets and ensure they become a valuable resource. We currently work in the following regions, with over 250 volunteer divers and 1250 fishers and fish farmers: North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, Pacific Ocean. Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands

Hubbs Sea World Research Institute is dedicated to promoting scientific interest and understanding to ensure a competitive position in the world of science and industry. HSWRI is dedicated to promoting scientific interest and understanding among young people and the community to ensure that the next generation of research pioneers will be competitive in the world of science and industry. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is a public, non-profit charity dedicated to providing effective solutions to conflicts that arise between human activity and the natural world. Hubbs-SeaWorld scientists apply sophisticated technologies to seek the solutions that protect and conserve marine animals while benefiting humans and their reliance on marine resources. San Diego, California

Today's global society has a responsibility to conserve ocean ecosystems and sustainably manage fish stocks for future generations. In collaboration with partners in Canada and around the world, the UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries is working towards a world in which the oceans are healthy and their resources are used sustainably and equitably. Housed at Canada’s premier west coast university, the IOF enables collaboration across a broad range of research and policy—and includes a growing global network of partners in governments, coastal communities, non-profit organizations and peer institutions to address issues of local and global concern. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada

Empowering the Electric Marine Industry. IEMA is the first industry-backed association advocating national and international policies to enable the global marine sector's transition to zero-emission by 2050. One aim: Zero operating emissions and the decarbonization of the world’s waters. IEMA is a global alliance of companies from across the electric marine industry specifically focused on accelerating this sector's remarkable growth towards sustainability and unblocking all future obstacles as they emerge. New York City, NY

Since 1985, International Rivers has been at the heart of the global struggle to protect rivers and the rights of communities that depend on them. We work with an international network of dam-affected people, grassroots organizations, environmentalists, human rights advocates and others who are committed to stopping destructive river projects and promoting better options. Berkeley, California

Made up of 167 Member States, and the European Union, the International Seabed Authority is mandated under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to organize, regulate and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area for the benefit of mankind as a whole. In so doing, ISA has the duty to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed related activities. Kingston, Jamaica

The International SeaKeepers Society supports marine science and conservation by utilizing privately owned yachts as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach, and marine conservation. SeaKeepers is an organization that unites the yachting community with the scientific and educational communities to facilitate programming for conservation. Anyone can discover more about the marine environments of the world and help restore them through extensive program opportunities offered. Marine Science and conservation is supported by utilizing member yachts as platforms for marine research, educational outreach, and to deploy oceanographic instruments. Our efforts eliminate vessel costs and allow scientists and educators to maximize funding towards research and education. Additionally community engagement programs promote conservation awareness and unite local participants in beach and dive clean-ups. Coral Gables, Florida

IOI-Canada is a leading member of the worldwide network of International Ocean Institute (IOI) operational centres and focal points. Our mission is to promote responsible ocean governance and the stewardship and sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources in Canada and around the world. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

For nearly 100 years, the Izaak Walton League has fought for clean air and water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving special places for future generations. Today, the League plays a unique role in supporting citizens locally and shaping conservation policy nationally. The Izaak Walton League was founded in 1922 to conserve outdoor America for future generations. The League's 54 founders, who were avid anglers, named the organization after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author of The Compleat Angler, a classic book about the art and spirit of fishing. We are one of the earliest conservation organizations to set an aggressive course to defend wild America by changing public policy. Almost every major, successful conservation program that America has in place today can be traced directly to a League activity or initiative. Gaithersburg, Maryland

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide. We are committed to the enjoyment, health and protection of recreational resources on natural lands for all people. Based in Boulder, Colorado

Mississippi River Cleanup of Polluted Water. Headquartered in East Moline, Illinois, Living Lands & Waters is a 501 (c)(3) environmental organization that was established by Chad Pregracke in 1998. Since the organization was founded, Living Lands & Waters has grown to be the only "industrial strength" river cleanup organization like it in the world. Spending up to 9 months a year living and traveling on the barge, the Living Lands & Waters' crew hosts river cleanups, watershed conservation initiatives, workshops, tree plantings and other key conservation efforts. East Moline, Illinois

Marine Applied Research & Exploration's (MARE) mission is to use science-based marine conservation efforts to help protect and restore the ocean's invaluable, yet threatened resources. Using cost-effective and innovative deepwater robotic technology and data analysis expertise, MARE assesses changes in marine life and habitat over time to inform ocean management and support wild sustainable fisheries for future generations. Richmond & Eureka, California

The ocean is the Earth's biggest life support system, and healthy marine ecosystems are essential for human survival and well-being. As a leader in the global movement to protect vast ocean areas, Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems, advocate for their protection, and measure progress toward effective, sustainable marine protection. At Marine Conservation Institute, we utilize the best available science to identify important marine ecosystems and advocate for their protection. We advocate for the creation of MPAs, strong and effective regulations, and preserving representative and special areas in the world’s oceans. Seattle, Washington

MCS, the UK charity that cares for our seas, shores and wildlife. The Marine Conservation Society, MCS, is the voice for everyone who loves the sea. We work to secure a future for our living seas, and to save our threatened sea life before it is lost forever. Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, United Kingdom

Marine pests threaten Australia's unique marine environment and marine industries. Over 250 introduced marine plants and animals have hitch-hiked to Australian waters on vessels of all types from yachts to commercial ships. Some have displaced our native species from their habitats, changing our coastal areas and damaging our fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries. To protect our marine environment and industries, the Australian and state/territory governments along with marine industries and marine scientists are implementing the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. The National System aims to prevent new marine pests species arriving, guide responses when a new pest is discovered and minimise the spread and impact of pests that are already established in Australia.

An initiative of Marine Conservation Institute. MPAtlas.org, a project of the Marine Conservation Institute, was launched in 2012 as a way to provide a more nuanced picture of global marine protection. Our goal is to clarify and visualize the level of protection and implementation of the world's MPAs. As countries around the world race to reach globally established levels of marine protection, it is important that these marine protected areas are fully implemented, managed and effective in achieving desired conservation benefits.

The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) which has been operating for more than 30 years in Mauritius, focusing on the education about and conservation of the marine environment in Mauritius. We are actively working to raise awareness amongst the people of Mauritius of the rich marine resources, the core objective being the protection of marine mammals and coral reefs. We are constantly striving at moving forward with our various programmes in research, public awareness and conservation, towards achieving a healthy marine environment for the long-term prosperity of Mauritius and its people. Phoenix, Mauritius

Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots. Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the Mission Blue team implements communications campaigns that elevate Hope Spots to the world stage through documentaries, social media, traditional media and innovative tools like Esri ArcGIS. Mission Blue also embarks on regular oceanic expeditions that shed light on these vital ecosystems and build support for their protection. Currently, the Mission Blue alliance includes more than 200 respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organizations, from large multinational companies to individual scientific teams doing important research. Napa, California

Welcome to NANOOS, the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems. The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is the Regional Association of the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in the Pacific Northwest, primarily Washington and Oregon. NANOOS has strong ties with the observing programs in Alaska and British Columbia through our common purpose and the occasional overlap of data and products. With today's rising sea levels, coastal flooding, harmful algal blooms, decreased oxygen levels - to name just a few threats - we need to understand why these changes are happening. Their impact on society spans weather, climate, ecosystems, transportation, and commerce. Seattle, Washington

For more than a century, Audubon has built a legacy of conservation success by mobilizing the strength of its network of members, Chapters, Audubon Centers, state offices and dedicated professional staff to connect people with nature and the power to protect it. A powerful combination of science, education and policy expertise combine in efforts ranging from protection and restoration of local habitats to the implementation of policies that safeguard birds, other wildlife and the resources that sustain us all--in the U.S. and Across the Americas. New York, NY

The National Beach Foundation is an environmental 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charitable organization working to improve and protect coastal environments in the U.S. through public projects, education, and research. A small, yet focused organization, we are dedicated to serving the environment. When you support our organization in improving our coastal environments, you help to stabilize our shorelines, save ecology, and strengthen coastal economies. Chesterfield, Virginia

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has become one of the world’s largest conservation grant-makers. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. NFWF supports conservation efforts in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Our projects – more than 15,000 since our founding – are rigorously evaluated and awarded to some of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, as well as some of the smallest. We neither advocate nor litigate. Instead, NFWF focuses on bringing all parties to the table, getting results, and building a better future for our world. Washington, DC

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan is an unprecedented attempt to address an unseen crisis for fish nationwide: loss and degradation of their watery homes. The plan was born in 2001 when an ad hoc group supported by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council explored the notion of developing a partnership effort for fish on the scale of what was done for waterfowl in the 1980s through the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The waterfowl plan has worked wonders during the past two decades to boost waterfowl populations by forming strong local and regional partnerships to protect key habitats. Washington, DC

National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): Gateway to invasive species information; covering Federal, State, local, and international sources. Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Beltsville, Maryland

Protecting America's Ocean and Great Lakes. National marine sanctuaries conserve unique habitats that are home to millions of species, from magnificent humpback whales to colorful clownfish. Sanctuaries support our health and the economy. They are living laboratories that improve our understanding of our ocean and Great Lakes, and they protect the resting places of shipwrecks that tell the story of our shared maritime heritage. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the only national non-profit whose mission is to directly support our marine and Great Lakes sanctuaries for generations to enjoy. Silver Spring, Maryland

The nation's ocean and coastal agency: Supporting coastal communities, promoting a robust economy, and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Our mission is to provide science-based solutions through collaborative partnerships to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our oceans and coasts.

The National Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, enriches America's national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation is founded on a legacy that began more than a century ago, when private citizens from all walks of life took action to establish and protect our national parks. Today, the National Park Foundation carries on that tradition as the only national charitable nonprofit whose sole mission is to directly support the National Park Service. Washington, DC

Protecting our national parks for future generations. We believe that America's national parks and historical sites embody the American spirit. They are windows to our past, homes to some of our rarest plants and animal species, and places where every American can go to find inspiration, peace, and open space. NPCA plays a crucial role in ensuring that these magnificent lands and landmarks are protected in perpetuity. Washington, DC

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks, recreation and conservation. Our work draws national focus to the far-reaching impact of successes generated at the local level. Leveraging their role in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity to improve their communities NRPA's members of park and recreation professionals and citizen advocates are more than 47,000 strong and represent public spaces in urban communities, rural settings and everything in between. Ashburn, Virginia