What Fins Attached does

Fins Attached is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine research and conservation organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It operates under a research-conservation-education model focused on shark protection and broader marine ecosystem health, serving individual donors, corporate sponsors, and research partners who fund and participate in its work. Its field operations span Cocos Island and Coastal Costa Rica, Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, the Maldives, the Galapagos, and the Philippines, with the United States as its primary donor market.

The organization's research capability rests on three field technologies: satellite tags that record depth, temperature, and location for shark migratory analysis across ocean basins; acoustic tags with seafloor receivers used to determine area residency; and submersible ultrasound applied to confirm pregnancy in free-swimming bull sharks at a provisioned shark site—a reportedly novel deployment. Fins Attached runs citizen science research expeditions aboard M/Y Sharkwater where paying donors participate in shark tagging, diving, and data collection, alongside dedicated conservation programs such as the Turtle Beach Project in Quepos, Costa Rica, which rescued 37,807 eggs and released 31,730 baby turtles in 2023. The organization has co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications from 2021 to 2025 on shark ecology, trophic patterns, mercury exposure, and marine protected areas.

Revenue is generated through tax-deductible individual donations, expedition fees ($6,000 per participant for an 11-day Cocos Island trip), recurring memberships ($20 to $700 tiers), the annual "Saving Our Seas from a Mile High" gala (individual tickets at $175, table sponsorships at $2,500), corporate sponsorships across diving, hospitality, real estate, and conservation brands, and silent auctions routed through BetterWorld. Fins Attached is a founding partner of the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation and maintains strategic partnerships with CREMA, Pelagios Kakunjá, The Manta Trust, One Ocean Worldwide Coalition, For the Oceans Foundation, and United Conservationists. Leadership comprises Dr. Alex Antoniou (Founder and CEO), Dr. Mauricio Hoyos (Chief Scientist), and Randall Arauz (International Policy Director).

Name

Fins Attached

Legal name

Fins Attached

Website

https://finsattached.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fins Attached is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2010 that conducts shark and marine ecosystem research using satellite tagging, acoustic telemetry, and submersible ultrasound, engaging donors through citizen science expeditions, recurring memberships, and annual fundraising events across global field locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Services

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guided Diving & Snorkeling Excursions (boat/shore trips) (THAAAIAB), Dive & Snorkel Guides / Dive Masters (Boat-Based & Shore-Based) (THAAALAC), Dive & Snorkel Equipment Rental, Retail & Boat Services (compressors, gear hire) (THAAAIAL)

Keywords

• Marine conservation research
• Shark research expeditions
• Citizen science expeditions
• Ocean conservation education
• Sea turtle conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Colorado Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting marine conservation, shark research, and education programs
2. Expedition Fees: Fees charged to participants joining citizen science research expeditions to locations including Cocos Island, Coastal Costa Rica, Galapagos, Maldives, and Philippines. These donations support research and conservation efforts while providing hands-on conservation experiences
3. Membership Program: Monthly or annual membership donations that provide ongoing support for global conservation work
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages for the annual gala and ongoing organizational support
5. Silent Auctions: Online and in-person silent auctions featuring scuba equipment, travel experiences, and entertainment items with 100% of proceeds supporting conservation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fins Attached is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine conservation organization that conducts shark and marine ecosystem research, runs citizen science research expeditions allowing donors to participate in fieldwork, and delivers conservation education through publications and events. Its core offerings include citizen science expeditions to global locations (Cocos Island, Maldives, Galapagos, Philippines, Mexico, Coastal Costa Rica), a sea turtle egg rescue and release program, an annual fundraising gala, and donor membership programs.

Product overview

Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as a single unified mission-driven entity focused on shark and marine ecosystem protection. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs including research expeditions (Fins Attached Expeditions and Sharkwater Expeditions), direct conservation initiatives (Turtle Beach Project), educational events (Saving Our Seas from a Mile High annual gala), community fundraising events (wine pairing fundraisers, silent auctions), and a membership program. The core offering is citizen science research expeditions that allow donors to participate directly in shark tagging and marine research, transforming perceptions about sharks while generating funding for conservation. Expeditions span multiple global locations including Cocos Island Costa Rica, Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro), the Maldives, Galapagos Islands, and the Philippines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fins Attached Expeditions: Citizen Science Research Expeditions conducted throughout the year, allowing donors to participate in shark research and see how their donations are being used to study and protect sharks and marine environment. Expeditions go to Socoro Mexico, Cocos Island Costa Rica, Coastal Costa Rica, The Maldives, The Galapagos Islands, and The Philippines.

Products and services

• Fins Attached Expeditions Citizen science research expeditions allowing donors to participate in shark research and marine conservation efforts through hands-on shark tagging, diving, and data collection across multiple global locations.
• Turtle Beach Project Sea turtle conservation initiative in Quepos, Costa Rica involving night patrols to find nesting turtles, egg collection, nursery planting, and baby turtle release programs.
• Saving Our Seas from a Mile High Gala Annual flagship fundraising gala event dedicated to ocean conservation, shark protection, and marine research, featuring keynote speakers, silent auctions, gourmet dinners, and networking with ocean advocates and scientists.
• Wine Pairing Fundraisers Fundraising events hosted at Blanchard Family Wines featuring wine tasting, charcuterie, and educational presentations, with a portion of ticket and bottle sales donated to conservation efforts.
• Silent Auctions Online fundraising auctions featuring ocean-themed items, scuba equipment, dive trips, travel experiences, entertainment tickets, and sports items, with 100% of proceeds supporting marine research and conservation.
• Membership Program Donor membership program supporting Fins Attached's global conservation work through monthly or annual giving options for individuals committed to shark and ocean protection.
• Fins Attached Store Online store selling merchandise to support marine conservation efforts, operated through Square payment processing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 37,807 turtle eggs rescued and 31,730 baby turtles released in 2023
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• For the Oceans FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 September 2022Conservation foundation that joined with Fins Attached, Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, and United Conservationists to form a partnership for joint marine conservation efforts.
• United Conservationists, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 September 2022Conservation organization that partnered with Fins Attached, Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, and For the Oceans Foundation to join forces in marine conservation.
• CREMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCosta Rican marine conservation organization partnering on research expeditions. CREMA scientists join Fins Attached expeditions onboard Sharkwater for coastal shark, turtle, and manta ray research in Costa Rica.
• Pelagios KakunjácoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShark and ray conservation organization co-leading Cocos Island research expeditions. Dr. Mauricio Hoyos serves with both Fins Attached and Pelagios Kakunjá.
• The Manta TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManta ray conservation organization partnered with Fins Attached for Maldives expeditions. 12-night Central-North Maldives trips with 11 days of diving exploring manta ray habitats.
• One Ocean Worldwide CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition expedition partner for Cocos Island research. Dr. Mauricio Hoyos was conducting shark-tagging research as part of this coalition when injured in 2025.
• Marine Conservation Costa RicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner non-profit for coral restoration work during Coastal Costa Rica expeditions. Participants engage in two days of coral restoration activities.
• Rob Stewart Sharkwater FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFins Attached is a founding partner of the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, part of the Rob Stewart Legacy in ocean conservation. The foundation honors the legacy of shark filmmaker Rob Stewart.
• Blanchard Family WinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerColorado and California winery hosting fundraising events for Fins Attached. Events feature wine tasting with 20% of bottle sales and portion of ticket sales donated to conservation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Large, established marine conservation non-profit with global operations, vessel-based campaigns, and broad donor base. Operates in the same marine conservation space as Fins Attached but at materially greater scale and with a more direct-action orientation.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): The largest global conservation non-profit with a substantial oceans and sharks program. A broad incumbent in marine conservation donor mindshare, competing with Fins Attached for corporate sponsorships, individual donors, and policy influence.
• Oceana: The largest international advocacy organization focused exclusively on ocean conservation, with a global policy and campaign footprint. A broader incumbent in the same marine conservation donor market, competing for the same high-net-worth ocean advocacy supporters.

Direct peers

• The Manta Trust: UK-based manta ray conservation charity that partners with Fins Attached on Maldives expeditions. Operates research expeditions, citizen science programs, and global conservation advocacy in marine biodiversity hotspots, directly overlapping Fins Attached's expedition and research model.
• Shark Research Institute: US-based non-profit focused on scientific research into sharks and rays, public education, and conservation. Directly comparable in mission, research methodology, and target audience to Fins Attached's shark research and citizen science programs.
• Save Our Seas Foundation: Switzerland-headquartered marine conservation foundation funding shark, ray, and ocean research globally. Operates a comparable model of funding field research, supporting peer-reviewed publications, and engaging citizen scientists in marine conservation.
• Pelagios Kakunjá: Mexico-based shark and manta ray research organization that co-leads Cocos Island expeditions with Fins Attached and shares Chief Scientist Dr. Mauricio Hoyos. Operates a near-identical citizen-science research expedition model in overlapping geographies, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• Marine Conservation Institute: US-based science-driven marine conservation non-profit focused on establishing marine protected areas and conducting ocean policy advocacy. Closely comparable to Fins Attached in size, mission, and science-to-policy approach.
• CREMA (Centro Rescate de Especies Marinas Amenazadas): Costa Rican marine conservation organization partnering with Fins Attached on Coastal Costa Rica research expeditions. Operates overlapping shark, turtle, and manta ray research programs in the same geographies and on the same M/Y Sharkwater vessel.

Emerging players

• Beneath the Waves: US-based marine conservation non-profit conducting cutting-edge shark and ray research with a smaller team and similar scientific publication-driven model. An emerging peer with mission and methodology overlap to Fins Attached's research program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@finsattached
• Facebookfacebook.com/FinsAttached
• Instagraminstagram.com/fins_attached
• Xx.com/finsattached
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fins-attached-marine-research-and-conservation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Fins Attached