Ocean Wise

What Ocean Wise does

Ocean Wise Conservation Association is a Vancouver-based nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1951, registered as a Canadian charity (BN 11928-2119-RR0001) and US 501(c)(3) (98-0050185). It addresses three ocean challenges — plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change — through three interconnected program verticals: research (Plastics Lab with FTIR microplastics analysis, Pollution Tracker with 10 years of contaminant data across 90+ BC coastal sites, Seaforestation kelp restoration); citizen science and education (Shoreline Cleanup since 1994 with 30K+ participants, WhaleReport Alert System with 10,000+ vessel alerts dispatched via hydrophone and IR sensor integration, Ocean Wise Sightings Network with 300,000+ verified reports from ~7,700 observers, Sea Dome mobile education unit); and sustainable sourcing plus youth development (Ocean Wise Seafood certification program with 750+ retail partners; Youth to Sea, Ocean Bridge, Eco-Action Accelerator, Mountains to Ocean STEM camp).

The technology stack is sensor-and-data-centric rather than software-platform-centric: citizen-science mobile apps (WhaleReport on iOS/Android), research instrumentation (FTIR, hydrophones from JASCO Applied Sciences and SMRU Consulting, infrared WhaleSpotter), and direct application partnerships with apparel industry players (Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Aritzia) and outdoor retailers (REI, MEC). Revenue comes predominantly from donations and philanthropy, supplemented by corporate partnerships/sponsorships (Loblaw, SC Johnson, Tru Earth, HCLTech) and modest program fees such as the $450/week Mountains to Ocean STEM camp.

Customer concentration risk is structurally low by design: revenue is fragmented across individual donors, 750+ certified seafood partners, ~7,700 citizen science observers, and a portfolio of corporate sponsors and government funders. Strategic priorities currently include geographic expansion within Canada (Quebec Sea Dome tour 2025), international expansion into Mexico and Chile, and supply-chain research partnerships aimed at textile microfiber pollution and Indigenous-led coastal monitoring (Council of the Haida Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority).

Name

Ocean Wise

Legal name

Ocean Wise Conservation Association

Website

https://ocean.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Ocean Wise is a Vancouver-based nonprofit conservation organization addressing plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change through research (Plastics Lab, Pollution Tracker), citizen science (WhaleReport, Shoreline Cleanup), sustainable seafood certification (750+ partners), and youth education programs across Canada, USA, Mexico, and Chile.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ocean Conservation Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Seafood & Aquaculture Certification Services (MSC/ASC/BAP) (AFALAMAL)

Keywords

• Ocean conservation
• Sustainable seafood certification
• Citizen science programs
• Marine research
• Environmental education

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: Individual donations, monthly giving programs, and bequests from supporters. The organization is registered as a Canadian charity (11928-2119-RR0001) and US 501(c)(3) nonprofit (98-0050185).
2. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Cause-marketing initiatives, corporate sponsorships, and employer engagement programs where businesses partner with Ocean Wise for sustainability objectives.
3. Youth Program Fees: Fee-based programs including Mountains to Ocean camp at $450/week per child, providing funding for staffing, admission fees, and guided excursions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ocean Wise is a global nonprofit conservation organization that addresses three major ocean challenges — plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change — through a portfolio of research programs (Plastics Lab, Pollution Tracker, Seaforestation), citizen science platforms (Shoreline Cleanup, WhaleReport Alert System, Sightings Network), sustainable seafood certification with 750+ partners, and youth education initiatives. The organization sells no physical products; its offerings consist of conservation programs, certification services, scientific research outputs, and educational experiences.

Product overview

Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization operating a diverse portfolio of interconnected programs focused on three major ocean challenges: plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. The organization combines research programs (Plastics Lab, Pollution Tracker, Seaforestation), citizen science platforms (Shoreline Cleanup, WhaleReport Alert System, Ocean Wise Sightings Network), and youth education initiatives (Youth to Sea, Eco-Action Accelerator, Mountains to Ocean). Key programs include the Ocean Wise Seafood sustainable sourcing partnership with 750+ partners, the Microfiber Partnership industry collaboration, and mobile education through the Sea Dome. The WhaleReport Alert System provides real-time whale sighting alerts to ships to prevent collisions, while the Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program supports conservation research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ocean Bridge: Youth program bringing together young Canadians passionate about ocean and waterway conservation through an online platform and in-person learning journeys
• Youth to Sea
• Shoreline Cleanup
• Whale Report Alert System
• Plastics Lab
• Ocean Wise Seafood
• Seaforestation
• Eco-Action Accelerator
• Ocean Pathways
• Mountains to Ocean
• Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program

Products and services

• Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup Citizen science cleanup program enabling volunteers worldwide to remove litter from shorelines while collecting standardized pollution data; free for community participants.
• Plastics Lab
• Pollution Tracker Long-running research program documenting contaminant levels in BC coastal sediments and mussels at 90+ sites, producing public datasets on 550+ contaminants of concern.
• WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS) Real-time whale sighting reporting and alerting system that sends alerts to commercial vessel operators to prevent collisions with whales.
• Microfiber Partnership Industry-research collaboration with apparel companies and government agencies to research and address microfiber pollution from textiles; includes Arc'teryx, Patagonia, REI, MEC, Aritzia, Loblaw, and SC Johnson as partners.
• Ocean Wise Seafood Program Sustainable seafood certification and partnership program with 750+ partners (restaurants, retailers, fish markets) selling Ocean Wise certified sustainable seafood globally.
• Youth to Sea 5-month hands-on service-learning program for Canadian youth ages 15-18 focused on ocean conservation knowledge and personal skill development.
• Eco-Action Accelerator 16-week microgrant program for Canada Service Corps alumni to scale ocean and environment-related service projects.
• Mountains to Ocean: Pathways in STEM Camp Week-long adventure and STEM camp for youth ages 13-15 exploring land and ocean ecosystems in BC with Indigenous knowledge sharing; priced at $450/week per child.
• Seaforestation Kelp forest restoration initiative supporting coastal communities, improving marine habitat, and capturing carbon by cultivating and planting kelp at the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre.
• Whale Trail BC Interactive trail of whale watching sites along the Salish Sea and Pacific coast of British Columbia, supporting public education and whale conservation engagement.
• Ocean Wise Sea Dome Portable immersive 360-degree ocean experience brought to schools, camps, and community events with marine artifacts and interactive activities; currently touring Quebec in 2025.
• Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program Symbolic adoption program established in 1992 to support conservation research on wild killer whales; donations fund ongoing research.
• Whale Report App Mobile application (iOS/Android) for public reporting of whale, dolphin, porpoise, and sea turtle sightings to contribute to marine conservation research.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,000+ whale collision avoidance alerts sent to ships
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The 5 Gyres InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025Collaborative research partnership conducting studies on microfiber pollution from dryers. 5 Gyres conducted controlled laboratory tests evaluating secondary dryer filter efficacy in collaboration with Ocean Wise researchers in Vancouver, B.C.
• Arc'teryxcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Apparel partner providing textile samples and funding for Ocean Wise microfiber pollution research. Arc'teryx is implementing research findings into their design process, textiles development, and manufacturing practices.
• PatagoniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner supporting Ocean Wise microfiber partnership research on textile shedding and pollution solutions.
• REIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner supporting Ocean Wise microfiber partnership research on textile shedding and pollution solutions.
• MECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner supporting Ocean Wise microfiber partnership research on textile shedding and pollution solutions.
• Environment and Climate Change CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment funding partner supporting Ocean Wise microfiber partnership research on textile shedding and pollution solutions.
• Metro VancouvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional government partner funding Ocean Wise microfiber partnership research on textile shedding and pollution solutions.
• AritziaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApparel company partner supporting Ocean Wise microplastics research and pollution mitigation initiatives.
• LoblawminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail partner supporting Ocean Wise microplastics research and pollution mitigation initiatives.
• SC JohnsonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsumer goods company partner supporting Ocean Wise microplastics research and pollution mitigation initiatives.
• JASCO Applied SciencescoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing hydrophone networks that detect whale vocalizations, feeding into the WhaleReport Alert System for real-time commercial vessel alerts.
• SMRU ConsultingcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing hydrophone networks that detect whale vocalizations, feeding into the WhaleReport Alert System for real-time commercial vessel alerts.
• Council of the Haida NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner providing financial support and collaboration for Pollution Tracker research in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
• Tsleil-Waututh NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner providing financial support and collaboration for Pollution Tracker contaminant research along BC coast.
• Vancouver Fraser Port AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort authority partner providing financial support and collaboration for Pollution Tracker research and Burrard Inlet water quality monitoring.
• Girl Up USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth empowerment organization collaborating on second annual Shoreline Cleanup Day of Action for Earth Day 2025, providing small grants to 20 young leaders across 12 US states.
• Tru EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding sponsor for Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup program in the United States, supporting community-based cleanup initiatives.
• Peace Boat USminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational youth education organization working on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, collaborating on ocean conservation activities and youth programs.
• Camp FircomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue on Gambier Island, BC for Eco-Action Accelerator retreat program, located in the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation.
• Earth Echo InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides water quality testing kits used in youth education programs, with data submitted to ODIS database as part of UN Ocean Decade.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Oceana: Oceana is the world's largest international ocean conservation advocacy organization, running global campaigns on overfishing, plastic pollution, and marine habitat protection. Comparable to Ocean Wise in mission focus on the three ocean challenges Ocean Wise targets, but operating at a materially larger international scale and budget.
• Marine Stewardship Council: MSC is the global leader in sustainable seafood certification, with the MSC eco-label widely used in retail and foodservice. Ocean Wise's 750+ seafood partner network competes directly for the same retailer and restaurant sustainable-seafood certification partnerships that MSC anchors.
• WWF-Canada: WWF-Canada is the Canadian affiliate of the World Wildlife Fund, operating marine conservation programs on Pacific salmon, oceans, and species at risk. Directly comparable as a Canada-headquartered marine conservation nonprofit competing for the same corporate and individual donor base.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Monterey Bay Aquarium runs the Seafood Watch program, a leading sustainable seafood guidance system with comparable restaurant/retailer partnership model. Also conducts ocean conservation research, youth education, and exhibits — overlapping with Ocean Wise across multiple program verticals.
• Greenpeace Canada: Greenpeace runs high-profile campaigns on oceans, plastic pollution, and climate change, with a strong Canada-based donor base. Comparable as a Canada-active marine conservation nonprofit competing for the same individual donor and youth-engagement audiences.

Direct peers

• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Sea Shepherd runs direct-action marine conservation campaigns including whale and marine mammal protection, plastic cleanup, and fisheries enforcement. Comparable as a peer marine conservation nonprofit operating across similar ocean challenges and engaging citizens in conservation work.
• The 5 Gyres Institute: 5 Gyres is a nonprofit focused on plastic pollution research and microfiber studies, including a confirmed research partnership with Ocean Wise on dryer filter efficacy. Closely aligned mission on microplastic source-and-fate research and apparel industry engagement.
• Surfrider Foundation: Surfrider Foundation runs a global network of volunteer-led beach cleanups and water quality testing, with a chapter structure analogous to Ocean Wise's Shoreline Cleanup and citizen science programs. Directly comparable grassroots coastal conservation model.
• EarthEcho International: EarthEcho International is a youth-focused ocean conservation nonprofit providing water quality testing kits used in ODIS/UN Ocean Decade programs — confirmed Ocean Wise partner. Closely aligned youth ocean education and citizen science mission.

Regional players

• Aquarium of the Pacific: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA runs Pacific-focused ocean conservation programs, sustainable seafood initiatives, and youth education. Comparable as a Pacific-coast aquarium-based conservation nonprofit with overlapping research and education programs, though US-based rather than Canadian.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Oceanwise
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/OceanWiseOrg
• Facebookfacebook.com/oceanwise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oceanwise
• Instagraminstagram.com/oceanwise

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ocean Wise