SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

What SeaChange Marine Conservation Society does

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society is a registered Canadian charity (BN 888741220RR0001) founded in 1998 and headquartered in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, on WSÁNEĆ and Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish territory. The organization operates with a small staff (1–10 employees, plus co-op students) and is dedicated to coastal ecosystem education, conservation, and restoration in the Salish Sea region, with a service footprint that, via its ShoreZone program, extends along the North American Pacific and parts of the US East Coast. Its portfolio comprises the ShoreZone coastal imaging and habitat mapping system (acquired from Coastal & Ocean Resources effective January 1, 2023), the multi-year Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS) initiative, the SṈIDȻEȽ Restoration Project, the Roberts Bay Salt Marsh Restoration Project, eelgrass transplantation, marine debris removal, and education and volunteer programs that have reached 1,000+ participants historically.

Technically, SeaChange's work is anchored in helicopter-based aerial imaging, underwater tow/dive camera systems, and standardized bio-mapping protocols that feed a publicly accessible GIS database (ArcGIS-based, with open datasets on Zenodo) covering more than 123,500 km of shoreline and producing habitat classification, water quality, and biodiversity datasets used by researchers, governments, and coastal managers. Its primary customers are not commercial buyers but rather federal and provincial government agencies (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC Ministry of Environment, Environment and Climate Change Canada), First Nations partners (Tsartlip, Tseycum, Tsawout, PEPÁṈENṈEW̱ HÁUTW̱ Foundation, Tseycum Marine Stewardship), regional nonprofits (Pacific Salmon Foundation, Peninsula Streams Society), foundations (Victoria Foundation, WWF, First West, Nickle Family, Chris Spencer), and individual donors reached through community events, social media, and CanadaHelps. Revenue is entirely grant- and donation-funded, with no commercial product pricing; memberships are nominal ($25 waged / $10 unwaged annually) and program funding has been anchored by large multi-year grants such as the 2017 5-year $1.3M Coastal Restoration Fund award and the 2024 $1.33M Fisheries and Oceans Canada grant.

Name

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

Legal name

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

Website

https://seachangesociety.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society is a BC-registered charity that restores nearshore coastal ecosystems in the Salish Sea and operates the ShoreZone coastal habitat mapping program, serving government agencies, First Nations, foundations, and donor communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Services

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Marine conservation services
• Coastal habitat mapping
• Estuary restoration programs
• Marine environmental education
• Eelgrass restoration

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: SeaChange Marine Conservation Society operates as a registered Canadian charity (BN 888741220RR0001) generating revenue primarily through donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundation grants. The organization receives funding from government agencies (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC Ministry of Environment), foundations (Victoria Foundation, Pacific Salmon Foundation, World Wildlife Foundation), and individual donors via platforms like CanadaHelps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society is a registered Canadian nonprofit that delivers coastal ecosystem conservation, restoration, and education in the Salish Sea and broader Pacific Northwest. Its core offerings include the ShoreZone coastal habitat mapping and classification program (covering 123,500+ km of shoreline), the multi-year Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS) initiative, site-specific restoration projects (SṈIDȻEȽ/Tod Inlet and Roberts Bay), eelgrass transplantation, marine debris removal, and school/community education programs.

Product overview

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society operates as a marine conservation organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on coastal ecosystem education, conservation, and restoration. The core offerings include ShoreZone (a coastal habitat mapping and classification system acquired in 2023), the Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS) initiative, and targeted restoration projects at SṈIDȻEȽ and Roberts Bay. Supporting services include eelgrass restoration, marine debris removal, and education programs. The organization's work integrates scientific methodologies with community engagement to survey, map, and restore nearshore coastal ecosystems across the Salish Sea region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ShoreZone: A coastal imaging and habitat mapping system acquired by SeaChange in 2023. First developed in 1979, ShoreZone is a precise system for habitat mapping and classification. The program maps nearshore coastlines including British Columbia, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and parts of the East Coast. Data is made publicly available online.
• Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS)
• SṈIDȻEȽ Restoration Project
• Roberts Bay

Products and services

• ShoreZone Coastal Habitat Mapping Program ShoreZone is a precise coastal habitat mapping and classification system that uses aerial helicopter surveys and tow/dive cameras at low tide to collect images and video of coastlines, then identifies and maps biological and geological features into a publicly accessible database. The system serves coastal managers, researchers, governments, and scientists who need standardized baseline data for environmental assessment and planning.
• Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS) Initiative RESS is a multi-year conservation initiative working to identify, monitor, and restore estuaries in the Salish Sea that can serve as climate-resilient ecological hotspots for salmon and other species. It includes water quality monitoring, biodiversity surveys of invertebrates, algae, and fishes, and open-access data publication, delivered in partnership with Tsawout Fisheries, Peninsula Streams Society, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
• SṈIDȻEȽ Restoration Project SṈIDȻEȽ is an ecological and community restoration project at Tod Inlet in Gowlland-Tod Provincial Park that delivers eelgrass restoration, riparian native vegetation recovery, beach enhancement, and cultural renewal activities. The project serves coastal communities and First Nations partners in the W̱SÁNEĆ traditional territory.
• Roberts Bay Salt Marsh Restoration Project Roberts Bay is a salt marsh restoration project focused on Mermaid Creek in Roberts Bay, Sidney, BC. The project works to protect and restore declining coastal salt marsh ecosystems and includes blue carbon baseline studies in partnership with Tseycum Marine Stewardship and Peninsula Streams Society.
• Eelgrass Restoration Service A marine habitat restoration service that transplants, seeds, and monitors native eelgrass to restore critical nearshore ecosystems serving as nursery habitat for juvenile salmon and other marine species. Delivered for government partners, First Nations, and conservation programs across the Salish Sea.
• Marine Debris Removal Service Underwater debris removal service that uses SCUBA divers, lift bags, and marine equipment to remove accumulated debris from nearshore areas, improving water quality and sediment health. Delivered through the RESS project and partnership-based restoration initiatives.
• Marine Environmental Education Programs Educational outreach program offering youth programs, volunteer restoration days, community workshops, school field trips, and conference partnerships to build environmental stewardship and marine conservation awareness. Served over 1,000 programs since 1998 and includes partnerships with the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) and Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE).

Quantifiable outcome

• 91 tonnes of debris removed from the ocean
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core partner, academic partner, event partner and transfer partner.

• Tsartlip First Nationcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations community with traditional territory including SṈIDȻEȽ (Tod Inlet). Long-standing partnership in ecological and community restoration including eelgrass restoration, riparian restoration, beach enhancement, and beach nourishment projects. Tsartlip holds claim on sacred WSÁNEĆ territory and leads vision for restoration work.
• Tseycum First Nationcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations community in whose traditional territory Roberts Bay is located. Close partnership in Roberts Bay Mermaid Creek Salt Marsh restoration and conservation work.
• Tsawout Fisheriescore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations fisheries organization partnering with SeaChange on the Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea (RESS) project to identify and restore estuaries for salmon habitat.
• Peninsula Streams Societycore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit organization partnering on RESS project and Roberts Bay restoration work including Mermaid Creek Salt Marsh conservation and blue carbon baseline studies.
• BC Parkscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial parks authority partnering with SeaChange and Tsartlip First Nation on SṈIDȻEȽ restoration within Gowlland-Tod Provincial Park, including beach enhancement and debris removal projects.
• University of Victoria, Geography Departmentacademic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution providing educational partnerships, co-op student placements, and research collaboration with SeaChange. Home to many staff members' academic backgrounds.
• PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundationcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation fostering hands-on education in ecological restoration, native plants, and traditional food systems. Now directing the SṈIDȻEȽ Resiliency Project following eight years of intensive restoration work with SeaChange.
• Tseycum Marine Stewardshipcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine stewardship organization of Tseycum First Nation working in close partnership with SeaChange on Roberts Bay Mermaid Creek Salt Marsh restoration.
• Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME)event partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional organization of aquatic and marine educators. SeaChange partnering with NAME and Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE) to fundraise for the 46th annual Ripple Effect Conference 2024.
• Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE)event partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNational network for ocean education. SeaChange partnering with NAME and CaNOE to fundraise for the 46th annual Ripple Effect Conference 2024.
• Coastal & Ocean Resources (CORI)transfer partnerOthersParent company of Coastal & Ocean Resources transferred the ShoreZone coastal imaging and habitat mapping system intellectual property and employees to SeaChange effective January 1, 2023. CORI had managed ShoreZone for over 35 years.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ocean Wise Conservation Association: Canadian marine conservation nonprofit focused on ocean health, species at risk, and pollution, headquartered in Vancouver/Victoria with education and conservation programming. Highly comparable to SeaChange in mission, BC/Pacific geographic focus, and community-based program mix.
• Hakai Institute: Pacific coast marine research and conservation organization operating along coastal British Columbia, conducting long-term ecological monitoring and nearshore habitat research. Highly comparable to SeaChange's ShoreZone-style long-term coastal mapping and Salish Sea region focus.
• Raincoast Conservation Foundation: British Columbia-based conservation nonprofit focused on coastal ecosystems, salmon, and marine mammals, combining field science with policy advocacy. Comparable to SeaChange in BC regional focus, science-based advocacy, and reliance on foundation and government funding.
• Living Oceans Society: Canadian marine conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting Canada's oceans through research, education, and community engagement. Comparable in mission, charity-based model, and coastal ecosystem focus.
• Surfrider Foundation: International grassroots ocean conservation organization focused on coastal water quality, beach access, and marine debris. Comparable to SeaChange in community-volunteer model, education programs, and marine debris removal activities.
• Pacific Salmon Foundation: Canadian nonprofit dedicated to wild Pacific salmon conservation through habitat restoration and partnerships. SeaChange is a current grantee/partner and is highly comparable in mission on estuary/salmon habitat restoration in the Salish Sea.
• Peninsula Streams Society: Local Saanich Peninsula-based nonprofit focused on stream and riparian restoration. Active RESS and Roberts Bay partner of SeaChange, comparable in community-based watershed restoration model on the same geography.

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Conservancy: Large U.S.-based ocean conservation organization running international campaigns on marine debris, ocean policy, and ecosystem protection. Comparable in mission and debris-removal/community-engagement emphasis, but at much larger scale and broader geographic scope.
• World Wildlife Fund Canada: Large Canadian arm of WWF providing grants and partnerships for marine and freshwater conservation. A current SeaChange funder; broader portfolio but overlapping conservation themes including Roberts Bay funding.

Others

• Coastal & Ocean Resources Inc. Former operator of the ShoreZone coastal mapping program before transferring IP and staff to SeaChange in 2023. Highly relevant comparator for ShoreZone methodology, scale, and personnel pedigree, though now a transferring partner rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SeaChangeMarineConservation
• Instagraminstagram.com/seachangemarine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seachange-marine-conservation-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 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 SeaChange Marine Conservation Society