These days, protecting and conserving the marine environment is something we must all give some consideration to – even when we’re not diving. To that end, there are countless government and private organizations dedicated to protecting the marine environment. Some develop and restore crucial populations; others focus more on the ecosystem at large. Still others work to create marine sanctuaries, and others do a little bit of everything. Whether you’re hoping to get involved, or if you are simply interested in learning more about how various organizations protect and conserve the marine environment, you’ll appreciate this quick guide to some of the world’s top ocean environmental organizations.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)
NOAA is a top steward of marine environments in the United States and in United States territories. In coordination with federal, state and local authorities, it manages the use of marine environments, regulating fisheries and marine sanctuaries, as well as protecting threatened and endangered marine species through various programs. NOAA conducts numerous environmental research and training programs designed to protect the marine environment. You can visit its website noaa.gov to learn more about it and the many divisions and programs dedicated toward marine conservation.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Among the organizations instituted to help protect marine environment is the EPA, a US federal government body. This organization conducts environmental research and education. Its primary goal is to set and enforce national standards under environmental laws, in coordination with state and local authorities. This organization also imposes fines, sanctions and other measures. It works with government and private organizations in a wide variety of programs. Visit epa.gov to learn more.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
A federal government agency operating under the US Department of the Interior, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is tasked with managing fish, wildlife and habitats. It works to conserve and protect fish, other marine species, plants and all habitats. Its’ units include the National Fish Hatchery System and the Endangered Species program. The US Fish and Wildlife Service wears many hats, but it is definitely a top marine environment organization. Visit its website, fws.gov for more information about its various programs.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is one of the world’s premiere marine protection organizations. The major threats Greenpeace addresses are industrial fishing, unfair fisheries, intensive shrimp aquaculture, global warming, and pollution. Greenpeace has offices in many countries across the world, and Greenpeace USA has its main office in Washington DC. Visit greenpeace.com for more details.
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature works across the world to protect and conserve the marine environment. The mission of the group is to curb and reverse the destruction of the marine species and their environment. It works to address threats to endangered marine species; in addition, it campaigns, develops and advocates solutions and publishes impartial data, and advises on the conservation of the marine environment.
The World Wide Fund for Nature, one of the world’s largest organizations to help protect marine environment, has hundreds of projects across the world. This organization is mostly funded by voluntary donations by private individuals. It works with a number of groups such as NGOs, government bodies, farmers, local communities and scientists. Visit wwf.org to get more information about the organization.
The Marine Mammal Center
One of the best-known conservation organizations, and one which focuses heavily on conserving the marine environment, the Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals found injured. It also provides various education and research programs on marine mammals such as pinnipeds and cetaceans. It rescues and rehabilitates California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, Northern elephant seals, dolphins, fur seals and the Southern sea otters, among other creatures, including Sea Turtles, which is the only non-mammal species it normally cares for. Its education programs on the marine environment reach more than 100,000 schoolchildren and adults each year. Visit marinemammalcenter.org to get more information.
Marine Conservation Biology Institute
The Marine Conservation Biology Institute, a non-profit organization, works to protect and restore marine life along the United States coasts and beyond. It facilitates research in marine conservation biology to examine crucial marine conservation issues. It also conducts policy research to frame agendas for marine conservation and educational activities. Visit its website mcbi.org for more details about the organization.
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
The Algalita Marine Research Foundation is one of many non-profit organizations that help protect our marine environment. With the mission to protect marine environments, this California-based NGO conducts research and education on the marine environment and the species dependent upon it. Log on to algalita.org to learn more about its programs.
Institute for Ocean Conservation Science
The Institute for Ocean Conservation Science conducts scientific research on marine environments, provides the basis for ocean policy and establishes frameworks for marine conservation. It also develops scientific approaches to manage forage fish, small schooling fish that are food for marine mammals and endangered seabirds. Visit oceanconservationscience.org to get more information about its various programs.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
The Whale and Dolphin Conervation Society is an international non-profit organization working towards the conservation and welfare of all cetaceans, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It works to reduce the threats to these cetaceans and their habitats by raising awareness through various education programs. Visit wdcs.org for more details.
There are many other organizations across the globe working to protect and conserve marine species and their environment; perhaps there is an organization near you which you’d like to work with.
How You Can Get Involved in Marine Environment Conservation
If you’d like to get involved, begin by learning more about the agencies you are most interested in. After you’ve picked a favorite, check the organization’s requirements and learn more about their activities. If you like what you see, get involved!
You don’t need a high-level degree to offer your services to the organization you are interested in working with. As a diver, you can participate in reef cleanups, fish counts, lionfish hunts, and other activities.
In the event you’re not able to join a conservation organization, you can work towared improving the marine environment on your own by spreading awareness, teaching others about the environment, organizing cleanups, and more. You can also promote awareness among elected officials, highlighting the importance of creating sustainable policies.
Whatever your profession, and no matter what your social standing, you really can contribute. All it takes is the desire to be of help, and a bit of action – even if it’s not grandiose – and you, too, can help make the oceans better for marine life and for all of us.