Organisation Bleue

What Organisation Bleue does

Organisation Bleue is a Quebec-registered non-profit organization founded in 2018 in Montreal, dedicated to the protection of aquatic and marine ecosystems in Eastern Canada, with a primary focus on the Saint-Laurent River, Estuary, and Gulf. The organization pursues an interdisciplinary model that combines scientific research, literary and visual artistic creation, and community mobilization to address plastic pollution. Its core programs include three editions of the sailing research expeditions Expédition Bleue (1.0 in 2022, 2.0 in 2024, 3.0 in 2025), the L'École Bleue educational initiative, shoreline cleanup events (134 conducted since 2019 with 24 tonnes of waste removed), and a forthcoming mobile education tour (Tournée Génération Bleue, Fall 2026). The organization has also produced artistic works including the documentary 'Dessine-moi un lac,' the immersive performance 'Dérive plastique,' and the exhibition 'Nos reflets à la mer' hosted permanently at Musée de la civilisation de Québec until 2040.

The organization operates a proprietary scientific protocol for sampling and characterizing shoreline plastic pollution and publishes data via pollutionplastique.ca. Its revenue is generated through individual and corporate donations (with the explicit claim that 100% of donated funds support environmental initiatives), merchandise sales via an e-commerce store (t-shirts, tote bags, soaps, calendars, postcards in CAD), tiered Blue Compensation certifications ($25/$50/$100 CAD funding shoreline cleanup), fee-for-service offerings (turnkey cleanup event coordination for enterprises, municipalities, and schools; 45-minute conference presentations), and bespoke waste-to-art commissions. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via its own e-commerce storefront and direct enterprise outreach, with no intermediary channel.

Key institutional partners include McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Concordia University, Parcs Canada, Musée de la civilisation de Québec, Aquarium du Québec, Fondation du Saint-Laurent, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. The team is led by founder and Executive Director Anne-Marie Asselin, with a small core staff (organization headcount band of 1-10), supported by a Board of Directors that includes a Chief Scientist (Dr Pierre Chuard) and an all-female leadership cohort. The organization has reported receiving CA$61,844 from Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2025, and financial reporting is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Organisation Bleue

Legal name

Organisation Bleue

Website

https://organisationbleue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Organisation Bleue is a Quebec non-profit founded in 2018 that combines sailing-based scientific research, shoreline cleanups, education, and art to combat plastic pollution in the Saint-Laurent River and Eastern Canada, funded through donations, merchandise, compensation certifications, and service fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Waste Management and Remediation Services (562), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing Certification Services (AFALAMAD), Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Programs (Water, Biodiversity Credits, PES) (IMAMAJAK)

Keywords

• Shoreline cleanup services
• Environmental research expeditions
• Marine conservation education
• Plastic pollution monitoring
• Waste-to-art programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual and corporate donations constitute a primary revenue stream, with the organization explicitly stating that 100% of donated funds support environmental initiatives, educational campaigns, communications, research, and development.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, tote bags, calendars, postcards, and artisanal soaps. Products are locally produced and carry a social mission, with all profits funding shoreline cleanups and research projects.
3. Blue Compensation Certifications: Certification tiers ($25, $50, $100) allowing individuals and businesses to compensate their plastic footprint by funding shoreline cleanup activities. Each tier corresponds to depolluting a specific area of shoreline.
4. Event & Service Fees: Fee-for-service model offering turnkey beach cleanup organization to enterprises, organizations, schools, and municipalities. Services include event coordination, logistics, volunteer recruitment, equipment, impact measurement, and waste management.
5. Conference & Webinar Fees: Paid presentations (45-minute format) on plastic pollution and environmental action adapted for schools and businesses, offered in formats such as lunch-and-learn, webinar, and 5@7 sessions.
6. Custom Art Commissioning: Creation of bespoke artistic works from recycled shoreline debris, commissioned by external clients. Proceeds support the organization's mission while raising public awareness of plastic pollution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Organisation Bleue is a non-profit organization that protects aquatic and marine ecosystems in Eastern Canada through shoreline cleanup services, scientific research expeditions on plastic pollution (Expédition Bleue), educational programs for schools (L'École Bleue and the upcoming Tournée Génération Bleue), conferences and webinars, and waste-to-art commissions. Revenue is generated through individual and corporate donations (100% of which support environmental initiatives), branded merchandise sales (t-shirts, bags, soaps, calendars), Blue Compensation certifications at $25/$50/$100 tiers, and fee-based services to enterprises, municipalities, and schools.

Product overview

Organisation Bleue is a non-profit environmental organization (founded 2018) focused on protecting aquatic and marine ecosystems in eastern Canada. Rather than a unified software product, the organization offers a portfolio of programs, services, and merchandise. Core programs include three editions of the Expédition Bleue (1.0 in 2022, 2.0 in 2024, 3.0 in 2025) — sailing research expeditions studying plastic pollution in the St. Lawrence. Educational offerings include L'École Bleue (school programs, conferences, workshops) and the upcoming Tournée Génération Bleue (mobile van education for 2026). Artistic initiatives feature immersive works like 'Nos reflets à la mer' (at Musée de la civilisation de Québec until 2040), 'Dérive plastique' performance, and the documentary 'Dessine-moi un lac.' Services encompass shoreline cleanup organization, conferences/webinars, and custom waste-to-art commissions. An online boutique sells merchandise (t-shirts, bags, soaps, calendars, postcards) and plastic compensation certificates ($25-$100 tiers). The revenue model channels all profits toward shoreline cleanup and environmental protection activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Expédition Bleue: A sailing research expedition program studying plastic pollution in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf.
• L'École Bleue
• Tournée Génération Bleue

Products and services

• T-shirt "On protège ce que l'on aime" Unisex organic cotton t-shirt produced by Simons (Vision) and screen-printed in Montreal, featuring artwork by Quebec artist Out.of.the. Priced at $28 CAD promotional / $40 CAD regular.
• Sac réutilisable "Merci bonsoir le plastique" Reusable organic cotton bag assembled and screen-printed in Montreal by Les Petites-Mains (a social enterprise supporting women in difficulty). Priced at $20 CAD promotional / $25 CAD regular.
• Savon "Océan de plastique" Handmade artisan soap from Quebec made by Le bar à savon from cutting scraps, zero-waste and packaging-free, natural ingredients with eucalyptus scent. Priced at $10.50 CAD promotional / $15 CAD regular.
• Le trio donnez au suivant pour le Saint-Laurent Bundle package containing the t-shirt, reusable bag, and soap at promotional pricing (three items at the price of two). Priced at $45.50 CAD promotional / $65 CAD regular.
• Calendrier OB 2025 12-month calendar featuring photos from cleanup tours and expeditions across the Saint-Laurent and Atlantic, including relevant environmental dates. Priced at $24.99 CAD.
• Cartes de souhait et cartes postales Greeting cards and postcards printed on recycled cardboard featuring literary creations from the Expéditions Bleues, combining expedition photos with poems. Priced at $4.99 CAD per unit.
• Long-sleeve OB for life Unisex long-sleeve organic cotton shirt, hand screen-printed in Chicoutimi. Priced at $49.99 CAD.
• Tshirt OB depuis 2018 Unisex organic cotton t-shirt produced in the United States. Priced at $39.99 CAD.
• Tote Bleue Organic cotton tote bag produced in the United States and screen-printed in Chicoutimi, suitable for shopping. Priced at $24.99 CAD.
• Certification de compensation Bleue Plastic pollution compensation certificates offered at three tiers ($25 / 2.5 m², $50 / 5 m², $100 / 10 m² of shoreline depolluted) for individuals and businesses to finance Quebec shoreline cleanups.
• Nettoyages de berges (Shoreline Cleanup Services) Full-service cleanup event organization for enterprises, municipalities, schools, and organizations across Quebec, including coordination, logistics, volunteer recruitment, equipment for up to 100 people, environmental impact measurement, waste management, and photography. Pricing is contact-based.
• Conférences & webinaires (Conferences & Webinars) 45-minute presentations on plastic pollution and environmental action adapted for schools and businesses, offered in lunch & learn, webinar, and 5@7 formats. Pricing is contact-based.
• De déchets à œuvres d'arts (Waste-to-Art Commissions) Custom artistic creations made from waste collected on shorelines, designed to raise public awareness about plastic pollution. Includes commissioned artworks and exhibitions for external clients.
• L'École Bleue (The Blue School) Educational program connecting youth with knowledge and tools for protecting the Saint-Laurent and ocean, including conferences, workshops, field trips, and booths for primary and secondary schools.
• Tournée Génération Bleue Mobile education initiative launching Fall 2026, traveling across Quebec in a converted van to deliver conferences and interactive workshops on plastic pollution and climate change to secondary schools.
• Nos reflets à la mer Immersive artwork by Anne-Marie Asselin, exhibited at Musée de la civilisation de Québec as part of the permanent exhibition 'Le Québec autrement dit' until 2040. Created from plastic collected during the 2022 Expédition Bleue.
• Dérive plastique Immersive performance combining live arts, science, and documentary poetry, exploring plastic pollution in the Saint-Laurent and Atlantic through video projections, contemporary dance, readings, and soundscapes. Presented at Musée de la civilisation de Québec.
• Dessine-moi un lac Short documentary film by Anne-Marie Asselin exploring blue-green algae proliferation in Quebec lakes, blending art and science to examine this phenomenon and the emotional connection between Quebec people and their natural resources.
• Expédition Bleue 1.0 First research expedition launched August 2022 aboard the EcoMaris sailing vessel. A 75% women-led crew traveled the Gulf of Saint-Laurent for nearly three weeks to study and document plastic pollution and climate change.
• Expédition Bleue 2.0 Second research expedition (July 21 - August 5, 2024) aboard the Vanamo sailboat through the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park and Saint Lawrence estuary, focused on macroplastic and microplastic research including biological specimen collection.
• Expédition Bleue 3.0 Third research expedition (June 23 - July 9, 2025) focusing on islands of the Saint Lawrence estuary with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, writers, and photographers. Obtained exceptional permits to access nearly 10 restricted islands.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ shorelines surveyed and cleaned; 27,000+ kg of plastic waste removed; 3,256+ volunteer participants
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EcoMariscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcoMaris provided the sailing vessel for Expédition Bleue 1.0 (2022), enabling the crew to travel the Gulf of Saint-Laurent for three weeks to study and document plastic pollution. EcoMaris is a sailing charter company aligned with the organization's marine mission.
• La Belle Vie SailingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Belle Vie Sailing provided the catamaran Vanamo for Expédition Bleue 2.0 (2024) and 3.0 (2025), operating in the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park and the Estuary. Captain Adrien Bernier and First Officer Marie-Pier Grenier served as crew, with the boat serving as both research platform and home base.
• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUQAR contributed team members to expeditions, including Camille Deslauriers (literary creator) and Tina Laphengphratheng (student in literary creation). The university provides academic credibility and student engagement to the interdisciplinary research-creaction model.
• McGill UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcGill provided team members including Miguel Felismino, PhD (engineer) and Laura Rowenczyk, PhD (engineer) for expeditions. Biological specimens collected during expeditions are analyzed at McGill labs to detect microplastics in invertebrate tissues.
• Réseau Québec MaritimeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerViridiana Jimenez, marine biologist and communications specialist, represented the Réseau Québec Maritime on the Expédition Bleue 1.0 crew, contributing marine science expertise and communication network access.
• PAL AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPAL Airlines provided air transportation support for Expédition Bleue 1.0 (2022), facilitating crew and equipment logistics across the Gulf of Saint-Laurent route including Sept-Îles, Anticosti, and the Magdalen Islands.
• MerinovminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMerinov, a marine research institute, is listed as a partner for Expédition Bleue 1.0, contributing scientific expertise and infrastructure to the marine plastic pollution research objectives.
• INRESTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerINREST (Institut national de recherche et de sécurité au travail — context suggests a regional development agency) is listed as a partner for Expédition Bleue 1.0.
• Helly-HansenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHelly-Hansen provided technical outdoor clothing (Helly Hansen gear) to expedition crew members for protection against harsh marine conditions during shoreline cleanups and navigation.
• LojiqminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLojiq, a Quebec youth international exchange and engagement organization, is listed as a partner for Expédition Bleue 1.0, contributing to youth mobilization and international exposure.
• CommunautominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunauto, a Quebec car-sharing service, is listed as a partner across multiple expedition pages, providing ground transportation logistics for the organization.
• Port de Sept-ÎlesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPort de Sept-Îles served as a departure point and logistics hub for Expédition Bleue 1.0, providing port access and local logistical support.
• ApneaCityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrançois Leduc, founder of ApneaCity, participated in Expédition Bleue 2025 as an apnea instructor and crew member, contributing expertise in breath-hold diving for the collection of invertebrate specimens (blue mussels, soft-shell clams, green sea urchins) for microplastic analysis.
• Musée de la civilisation de QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Musée de la civilisation de Québec hosts the immersive artwork 'Nos reflets à la mer' in its permanent exhibition 'Le Québec, autrement dit' until 2040, and presented the 'Dérive plastique' immersive performance. This partnership extends the organization's reach to hundreds of thousands of annual museum visitors.
• Aquarium du QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Aquarium du Québec hosted the artwork 'La méduse' (2021) by artist Alex Côté, created from shoreline waste collected during Expédition Bleue 2021 and produced in collaboration with Waterlution.
• WaterlutionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterlution collaborated with Organisation Bleue and artist Alex Côté on the creation of 'La méduse' artwork for the Aquarium du Québec, combining artistic and water conservation expertise.
• Parcs CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaphaëlle Dancette, Senior Advisor for Marine Conservation at Parcs Canada, served as a crew member on Expédition Bleue 2.0, bringing regulatory and conservation expertise to the marine pollution research mission.
• Université de MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversité de Montréal is listed as a collaborator on the 'Dessine-moi un lac' documentary project and contributed team members to Expédition Bleue 3.0 (2025), providing academic research capacity.
• Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUQO is listed as a collaborator on the 'Dessine-moi un lac' documentary project focused on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Quebec lakes.
• Les Petites-MainsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLes Petites-Mains, a Montreal organization supporting women immigrants and those facing difficulties, assembled and screen-printed the reusable bags sold in the Organisation Bleue store, combining social enterprise with environmental mission.
• Le bar à savonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLe bar à savon, a Quebec artisanal soap maker, produces the 'Océan de plastique' soap sold in the store, made from cut-off scraps to symbolize plastic pollution prevention.
• Sans plastique (logo partner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSans plastique is listed among partner logos on the nettoyages page, representing the broader 'Sans plastique' movement in Quebec.
• Promotion SaguenayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPromotion Saguenay, a regional economic development organization, is listed as a partner, supporting the organization's activities in the Saguenay region.
• Fondation du Saint-Laurent (FASL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Fondation du Saint-Laurent (FASL) is listed as a partner, contributing to the protection and sustainable development of the Saint-Laurent River ecosystem.
• Université ConcordiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcordia University contributed team members to Expédition Bleue 3.0 (2025), providing academic research capacity in the interdisciplinary expedition framework.
• Auberge Saint-AntoineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Auberge Saint-Antoine on Île d'Orléans hosted the Expédition Bleue 2025 crew, providing gastronomic tapas inspired by the Saint-Laurent pantry using products from their 4000m² garden, demonstrating sustainable hospitality.
• Maison de l'Île d'OrléansminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Maison de l'Île d'Orléans hosted the Expédition Bleue 2025 crew for a conference evening and overnight stay during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste holiday.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Surfrider Foundation: Nonprofit mobilizing volunteers for beach cleanups, advocating for plastic reduction policy, and running local chapter-based environmental programs. Closely mirrors Organisation Bleue's community-led cleanup + advocacy model, with comparable chapter-driven structure.
• 5 Gyres: Research and advocacy nonprofit focused on plastic pollution in oceans, conducting microplastics research and citizen science expeditions. Most comparable to Organisation Bleue's combination of research expeditions + educational programming.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global nonprofit coalition working to end plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and corporate engagement. Directly comparable advocacy + education focus, though operating at much broader international scale than Organisation Bleue's Quebec footprint.
• Waterlution: Canadian nonprofit fostering water stewardship through innovation, art, and education; partnered with Organisation Bleue on 'La méduse' artwork. Comparable mission integrating water conservation with art and youth engagement.
• Ocean Wise / Aquarium du Québec-affiliated programs: Canadian ocean conservation nonprofit combining education, research, and community action programs. Directly comparable Canadian nonprofit structure with overlapping educational programming and conservation focus.
• Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF): Marine conservation nonprofit combining citizen science, education programs, and community engagement. Closely comparable citizen science + education + volunteer mobilization structure, though focused on reef ecosystems.

Regional players

• Fondation du Saint-Laurent: Quebec-based nonprofit focused on Saint-Laurent River protection, conservation, and community engagement. Direct regional peer operating in the same river system with overlapping donor and stakeholder base.

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Conservancy: Large US-based marine conservation nonprofit running the International Coastal Cleanup and producing annual trash ocean data reports. Most directly comparable to Organisation Bleue's shoreline cleanup + citizen science model, but at significantly larger US/global scale.
• The Ocean Cleanup: Tech-enabled nonprofit focused on removing plastic from oceans and rivers using engineered systems. Comparable mission (marine plastic pollution) but very different execution model (technology-driven at scale vs. Organisation Bleue's community/scientific approach).
• Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance: Global ocean conservation nonprofit establishing marine protected areas ('Hope Spots') and conducting expeditions. Comparable expedition-led, science-driven ocean conservation model at much larger global scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCaqY1-2hzMRXS61vaDZ-3eQ?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/OrganisationBleue
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theblueorg
• Instagraminstagram.com/organisation.bleue

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Organisation Bleue