Ocean Alliance

What Ocean Alliance does

Ocean Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine mammal research organization founded in 1971 by Dr. Roger Payne and headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The organization pioneered SnotBot®, a proprietary drone-based system — a modified DJI Inspire 2 fitted with petri dishes — that non-invasively collects whale exhaled breath condensate for DNA, hormone, microbiome, and stress analysis. Over more than five decades, Ocean Alliance has built the longest continuous study of any great whale (the Southern Right Whale Program tracking 5,000+ identified individuals since 1970, jointly with Argentina's ICB) and curated the world's largest humpback recording collection (2,400+ historical recordings, 6,000+ hours), now being digitized. Supporting technology includes EarBot (acoustic recording drone), drone-based suction-cup biologging tag deployment using CATS tags and DTAGs developed with University of Michigan, and LIDAR photogrammetry arrays for body-condition measurement.

The organization does not sell products commercially. Its revenue stack instead comprises individual donations, cause-marketing partnerships (anchor: Spirit Bear Coffee contributes $1–$2 per bag of Orca Dark Roast and Dolphin Decaf sold), grant funding (Council on Library and Information Resources $36,298; Massachusetts Environmental Trust $29,950; undisclosed OceanX technology funding), e-commerce merchandise and adopt-a-whale programs via shop.whale.org, and educational outreach. Customer/partner segments span government agencies (NOAA), academic and research institutions (Cascadia Research, Oregon State University, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, UABCS, University of Michigan), international research collaborators across Mexico, Argentina, the Azores, Gabon, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, and Oman, and individual supporters and corporate cause-marketing partners. GTM is direct-to-consumer (donations, shop) combined with a community-led research ecosystem where Ocean Alliance develops protocols and transfers drone capability to trained local researchers.

Operationally, Ocean Alliance runs on a small team of 1–10 and is mid-build-out of its Innovation Center at the historic Tarr & Wonson Paint Factory (three of six buildings operational; permitting underway for the Manufactory and a climate-change-proof floating Innovation Center). Core IP and validation moats include the SnotBot® trademark, 1,000+ documented SnotBot flights across six whale species, 92% DNA sexing and 96% mitochondrial DNA success rates, and a regulatory portfolio including NMFS Permit No. 21678 for drone-based tag deployment on gray whales.

Name

Ocean Alliance

Legal name

Ocean Alliance

Website

https://whale.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Ocean Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine mammal research organization founded in 1971 that pioneered SnotBot®, a drone-based system for non-invasively collecting whale biological samples. It serves research institutions, government agencies, and conservation partners across global whale habitats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Mammal Research & Conservation

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

Keywords

• Drone whale research
• Marine mammal conservation
• Non-invasive biological sampling
• Whale bioacoustics library
• Southern right whale program

Headquarters

HQ city

Gloucester

HQ country

United States

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, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Individual donations from supporters, tax-deductible contributions as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
2. Cause Marketing Partnerships: Partnership with Spirit Bear Coffee Company where a portion of Orca Dark Roast and Dolphin Decaf coffee sales are donated to Ocean Alliance ($1 per 400g bag, $2 per 1kg bag, $1 per 24 pods)
3. E-commerce Sales: Online shop selling whale-themed merchandise, adoption programs, and educational materials
4. Grants: Funded by grants from organizations including Council on Library and Information Resources ($36,298 for digitization), Massachusetts Environmental Trust ($29,950), OceanX for technology development
5. Education and Outreach Programs: Revenue from educational initiatives, Robotics Club, live events, and documentary/media partnerships

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ocean Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine mammal research organization that pioneers drone-based, non-invasive whale research technologies and methodologies, primarily through its SnotBot® system that collects whale exhaled breath condensate for biological analysis. The organization runs long-term whale conservation programs (such as the Southern Right Whale Program), maintains the Whale Acoustic Library of historical recordings, conducts global expeditions, and offers education and outreach initiatives to advance marine mammal science and conservation.

Product overview

Ocean Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine mammal research organization offering a suite of technology-enabled whale research products and programs. The core product is SnotBot®, a drone-based system that non-invasively collects biological samples from whales. Supporting products include EarBot for acoustic recording, the Whale Acoustic Library digital archive, and the Drones for Whale Research (DFWR) program. Long-term research programs include the Southern Right Whale Program (the longest continuous study of any great whale) and the historical Voyage of the Odyssey global expedition. The organization operates from its Innovation Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SnotBot: A drone-based system for whale research that collects exhaled breath condensate (snot) samples from whales using drones fitted with petri dishes.

Products and services

• SnotBot® A drone-based system equipped with petri dishes fitted to modified DJI Inspire 2 drones, used to collect whale exhaled breath condensate ("snot") as animals surface to breathe. The samples are analyzed for DNA, hormones, microbiome, and stress indicators to assess whale health without physical contact. Used by marine research institutions, universities, and conservation agencies.
• EarBot An acoustic research drone fitted with hydrophones that records whale songs and vocalizations underwater while in flight, enabling behavioral studies and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals.
• Whale Acoustic Library A digital archive containing more than 2,400 whale and ocean sound recordings (over 6,000 hours total) from the 1950s to the 1990s, currently being digitized with support from the Council on Library and Information Resources. Available to researchers and the public.
• Southern Right Whale Program A long-term population study tracking more than 5,000 known individual southern right whales in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, conducted in partnership with Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas since 1996. Used by researchers and conservation agencies for population monitoring, health studies, and conservation policy.
• Drones for Whale Research (DFWR) Program A research and development program focused on advancing drone technologies for non-invasive whale research methodologies, including SnotBot collection and drone-based biologging tag deployment, with technology transferred to international research partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% DNA sexing success rate, 96% mitochondrial DNA success rate with SnotBot samples
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas (ICB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996Sister organization in Argentina with which Ocean Alliance has worked closely since 1996 on the Southern Right Whale Research Program. Dr. Mariano Sironi serves as Scientific Director of ICB. Together they follow 5,000+ individual southern right whales.
• Iain Kerr (Individual Researcher)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSnotBot technology pioneered by Iain Kerr after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As CEO, he leads all research programs and has driven the development of drone-based whale research methodologies.
• Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term research partner in Mexico's Gulf of California. Dr. Jorge Urbán leads UABCS Marine Mammal Research Program; all Ocean Alliance work in the area is conducted under his research permit. He joins expeditions and provides local knowledge and conservation expertise.
• CONANP / Parque Nacional Bahía de LoretocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexican National Parks management authority that allows research in designated national park waters. Sends team members to assist data collection and receives photographs to support tourism efforts.
• The Great Whale Conservancy (GWC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Fischbach and GWC team provide crucial support including science assistance, accommodation, permitting, filming projects, equipment storage, logistical challenges, research vessel rentals, and fecal sample collection for Ocean Alliance's Mexico expeditions.
• Cascadia ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch Biologist John Calambokidis leads collaborative work on gray whales (Sounders) in Puget Sound. Ocean Alliance's SnotBot team assists with drone deploying biologging tags for the second consecutive year.
• Dr. Scott Baker's Lab at Oregon State UniversitycoreTechnology or IntegrationAngie Sremba from the lab focuses on DNA analysis of SnotBot samples. The lab has achieved 92% success rate for sexing animals from DNA and 96% for mitochondrial DNA analysis, validating the SnotBot methodology.
• Spirit Bear Coffee CompanykeyGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst Nations/indigenous owned coffee company based outside of Vancouver, Canada. Donates a portion of Orca Dark Roast and Dolphin Decaf coffee sales to Ocean Alliance ($1 per 400g bag, $2 per 1kg bag, $1 per 24 pods). Committed to sustainability, 100% compostable pods, Fair Trade and Organic certified.
• Parley for the OceanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner supporting SnotBot expeditions including the Parley SnotBot Expedition 10 to Dominican Republic. Parley supports education initiatives and Ocean Alliance's global research efforts.
• SPACEWHALEkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerJulika Voss and Caroline Höschle lead SPACEWHALE, which detects whales from satellite images using artificial intelligence. Ocean Alliance provides ground truthing data through Iain Kerr and Michael Fischbach's field sightings to validate satellite observations.
• BBC (Blue Planet Live)keyGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured SnotBot and EarBot technology in BBC Blue Planet Live TV specials (March 2019), including a live segment attempting to collect blue whale exhalation. 42-person BBC production team covered the Baja, Mexico shoot.
• University of Michigan (Dr. Alex Shorter's Lab)coreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloped DTAGs (dummy and real data tags) for drone-based tag deployment. Enables collection of dive data including depth, speed, orientation, and acceleration from tagged blue whales.
• Customized Animal Tracking Solutions (CATS)keyTechnology or IntegrationCATS tags (camera and dive data tags) developed by Niko are used with Ocean Alliance's drone deployment system. Tags provide video footage and dive data from tagged whales.
• Paolo Serge (Stanford University)supportingTechnology or IntegrationLent two 14K CATS tags to Ocean Alliance for the Baja tagging expedition when manufacturer couldn't deliver in time. Tags acquired through OceanX grant.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy is a major ocean conservation nonprofit focused on policy advocacy and marine ecosystem protection. While Ocean Alliance is more research-focused and Ocean Conservancy more policy-focused, both operate in marine conservation and engage in donor-supported advocacy for ocean health.
• OceanX: OceanX is a marine research and media organization that combines ocean exploration with documentary production. It is a key financial partner of Ocean Alliance (providing funding for drone-based tag deployment technology) and operates in the same marine conservation and research space using advanced technology platforms.
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI): WHOI is one of the world's premier marine research institutions. Dr. Michael Moore of WHOI has collaborated with Ocean Alliance on drone-based tag deployment research and provides expert commentary validating the methodology—both organizations operate in marine mammal science and ocean technology R&D.
• NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service): NOAA is a key collaborative partner of Ocean Alliance on North Atlantic right whale research, whale disentanglement, and habitat use studies. It is a major funder/regulator in marine mammal conservation and operates in the same research and policy space at a much larger scale.

Emerging players

• Pacific Marine Mammal Center: Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a marine mammal rescue and research nonprofit. While more focused on rehabilitation and rescue, it operates in the same marine mammal conservation space and shares the small nonprofit operating model with Ocean Alliance.
• Marine Conservation Institute: Marine Conservation Institute is a science-based nonprofit focused on protecting ocean ecosystems and marine biodiversity. It shares scientific research and advocacy missions with Ocean Alliance, though focused more broadly on marine protected areas and species conservation.

Regional players

• Parley for the Oceans: Parley for the Oceans is a major strategic partner of Ocean Alliance, supporting SnotBot expeditions including the Dominican Republic expedition. Both organizations focus on ocean conservation, with Parley bringing corporate partnerships and Ocean Alliance providing scientific research capabilities.
• Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC): WDC is a UK-based nonprofit focused on the conservation of whales and dolphins worldwide. While Ocean Alliance is US-based and WDC UK-based, both organizations are dedicated to cetacean conservation through research, education, and advocacy, with overlapping species and donor bases.

Direct peers

• Cascadia Research Collective: Cascadia Research is a non-profit marine research organization that partners with Ocean Alliance on drone-based biologging tag deployment on gray whales in Puget Sound. It is a direct methodology peer, working on similar non-invasive whale research with overlapping geographic and species focus.
• Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas (ICB): ICB is the Argentine sister organization with which Ocean Alliance has run the Southern Right Whale Research Program since 1996. Together they track 5,000+ known individual southern right whales, making ICB the most direct operational peer in long-term whale research.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@oceanalliance
• Facebookfacebook.com/oceanalliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/oceanalliance
• Xx.com/Ocean_Alliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ocean-alliance-inc-

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Alliance