EcoMarines

What EcoMarines does

EcoMarines Foundation (legal entity: Tangalooma EcoMarines Foundation Ltd) is a Queensland, Australia-based not-for-profit environmental education organisation founded in 2014 and headquartered in Brisbane. It delivers free, curriculum-aligned sustainability programs to over 500 primary schools, secondary schools, and early learning centres across Queensland through four core products: the Mini Marines early-learning program, the Primary School Program, the Secondary School Program, and the Flexible Learning Program. The model is built around student "EcoMarines Ambassadors" who design and lead hands-on sustainability projects (composting, recycling, native plantings, marine conservation), supported by Adventure Days at venues such as Green Island, Magnetic Island, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tangalooma Island Resort, and by the annual Global Link Conference at Tangalooma.

The organisation operates a multi-stream funding model: State Government funding underwrites free program delivery to schools, structured corporate sponsorship packages (Bronze through Platinum, ranging from $30,000 to $90,000 in community value-add) generate the bulk of partner revenue, individual donations benefit from DGR1 tax-deductible status, and a small e-commerce merchandise line (metal water bottles, coffee cups, branded shirts) provides a secondary contribution. The model has no proprietary technology stack; the platform is people-intensive delivery combined with curriculum content and a council/corporate referral distribution network. Key partners include Tangalooma Island Resort (founding partner), the Queensland Government, Brisbane/Ipswich/Redland/Townsville city councils, and major utilities such as Energy Queensland, SeqWater, Veolia, and Urban Utilities.

EcoMarines is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status. The team is small (12 employees) and the organisation operates exclusively within Queensland. Growth has been driven by geographic expansion within the state, progressive vertical extension from primary into secondary and flexible-learning segments, and deepening corporate and council partnership networks rather than by technology-led differentiation.

Name

EcoMarines

Legal name

Tangalooma EcoMarines Foundation Ltd

Website

https://ecomarines.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EcoMarines Foundation is a Queensland-based not-for-profit founded in 2014 that delivers free, curriculum-aligned environmental education programs to over 500 schools and early learning centres, funded by state government grants, corporate sponsorships, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Educational Support Services (611710), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation) (EDAMABAD), Sustainability Engagement, Training & Behavior Change Programs (On-site) (BPABALAK)

Keywords

• Environmental education programs
• School sustainability programs
• Marine conservation education
• Student ambassador programs
• Community environmental outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Eagle Farm

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: State Government funding supports the delivery of the EcoMarines Program to schools at no cost.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors align with EcoMarines' mission to support environmental education. Sponsorship packages range from Bronze ($30,000 value add) to Platinum ($90,000 value add), with each tier supporting a specified number of schools and providing educational reach to communities.
3. Donations: Individual donations from the public support program delivery. EcoMarines Foundation is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status, making donations over $2 tax-deductible.
4. Merchandise Sales: EcoMarines operates an online shop selling eco-friendly merchandise including metal water bottles ($35), metal coffee cups ($28), and Support Crew Shirts for adults and kids ($25 each). Proceeds support free program delivery to schools.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

EcoMarines Foundation delivers free environmental education programs to schools and early learning centres across Queensland, Australia. The foundation operates four core programs — Mini Marines (early learning), Primary School Program, Secondary School Program, and Flexible Learning Program — that appoint student ambassadors to lead hands-on sustainability projects aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Programs are funded by state government grants, council partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and donations, with a small merchandise shop generating supplementary revenue.

Product overview

EcoMarines Foundation is a not-for-profit environmental education organization offering a portfolio of free programs for schools and early learning centres across Queensland, Australia. The core offerings consist of four structured educational programs: Mini Marines (early learning), Primary School Program, Secondary School Program, and Flexible Learning Program. These programs empower students to become environmental ambassadors through hands-on sustainability projects, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives. In addition to educational programs, EcoMarines sells merchandise including reusable metal products (coffee cups and water bottles) and branded Support Crew shirts to generate funding for the free school programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mini Marines Program An early learning environmental education program designed for young children in early learning centres to develop foundational sustainability awareness and eco-friendly behaviors through age-appropriate activities.
• Primary School Program Environmental education program for primary school students focusing on sustainability education, hands-on learning experiences, and student-led eco-initiatives through the EcoMarines Ambassador model.
• Secondary School Program High school program empowering students to lead environmental change through student-led initiatives, peer engagement, and real-world sustainability projects, building leadership and communication skills.
• Flexible Learning Program Inclusive environmental education program designed for students in non-traditional learning environments, with adaptable content and delivery methods tailored to unique learning needs.
• Metal Water Bottles Reusable metal water bottle merchandise priced at $35.00 per unit, sold via the EcoMarines online shop with proceeds supporting free program delivery to schools.
• Metal Coffee Cups Reusable metal coffee cup merchandise priced at $28.00 per unit, sold via the EcoMarines online shop with proceeds supporting free program delivery to schools.
• Support Crew Shirts - Adults Adult-sized Support Crew shirt merchandise priced at $25.00 per shirt, sold via the EcoMarines online shop with proceeds supporting free program delivery to schools.
• Support Crew Shirts - Kids Kids-sized Support Crew shirt merchandise priced at $25.00 per shirt, sold via the EcoMarines online shop with proceeds supporting free program delivery to schools.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500 schools and early learning centres participated in 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Tangalooma Island ResortcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTangalooma Island Resort launched EcoMarines in 2014. The resort hosts the annual Global Link Conference, a flagship event connecting schools internationally to sustainability challenges. Tangalooma continues as a key partner providing venue and support for EcoMarines programs.
• Queensland GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState Government funding supports delivery of the EcoMarines Program to schools at no cost. The Queensland Government provides essential funding that enables the free program model.
• Brisbane City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner council providing support for EcoMarines schools in the Brisbane region. Collaborated on waterways events including Nudgee Beach Reserve workshops.
• Ipswich City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner council co-hosting the Ipswich Youth Sustainability Summit with EcoMarines and Natura Pacific. Supports local Ipswich schools in sustainability initiatives.
• Redland City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner council supporting EcoMarines schools in the Redlands region, collaborating on local environmental programs and events.
• City of TownsvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner council supporting Townsville region schools. EcoMarines On Tour program operates in Townsville with council support.
• Energy QueenslandmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate platinum-level sponsor providing funding to support EcoMarines schools. Links schools with energy companies and helps students understand energy use and conservation.
• SeqWatermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor helping connect schools with water management expertise and supporting water conservation education.
• VeoliamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines programs and connecting schools with waste management expertise.
• Urban UtilitiesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrisbane-based utility company sponsoring Clean Up Australia Day events and supporting EcoMarines community initiatives.
• Clean Up AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit organisation that runs Clean Up Australia Day. EcoMarines participates in organised clean-ups and encourages schools to register through cleanup.org.au.
• Natura PacificcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organisation co-hosting the Ipswich Youth Sustainability Summit and leading the Water Bugs Workshop teaching students about bio-indicators for waterway health.
• Cairns AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental education partner providing programs on Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics conservation. Features the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
• Great Adventures (Cairns)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine tourism operator providing Adventure Days to Green Island with marine biologist interviews and reef education programs.
• Mon Repos Conservation ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading sea turtle conservation centre in the South Pacific region. EcoMarines conducts interviews with rangers and learns about turtle protection programs including 'Cut the Glow'.
• Regen AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated 40 native trees to Elanora State High School for their environmental program.
• Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry TropicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation working with Townsville schools during EcoMarines On Tour, providing activities and sharing findings from the 2025 Townsville Report Card.
• Port of TownsvillemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing environmental education tours and teaching students how the port considers the environment in its operations.
• Port of BrisbanemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines programs.
• Freedom Boat ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines marine education initiatives.
• SOL TechnologyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology company sponsor supporting EcoMarines programs.
• EDSCOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines programs.
• CompostaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines composting and waste reduction education.
• Coral WatchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResearch organisation partner providing coral health monitoring education to EcoMarines schools.
• Australian Urban GrowersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting EcoMarines urban gardening and sustainability programs.
• Urbane UtilitiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility company sponsor supporting EcoMarines programs.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Planet Ark Environmental Foundation: Australian environmental not-for-profit that runs school-facing campaigns such as National Tree Day and environmental education resources. Comparable in mission, school-target audience, and diversified corporate+sponsorship+donation revenue model.
• Landcare Australia: National not-for-profit supporting community and school-based Landcare and environmental stewardship projects, with corporate partnerships (e.g., Woolworths) and government support. Directly comparable as an Australian school/community environmental program with corporate sponsorship funded model.
• Keep Australia Beautiful: National not-for-profit running litter and recycling programs including school-based initiatives such as Tidy Schools. Directly comparable mission (school-based environmental behaviour change), Australian footprint, and non-profit funding model.
• CERES Environment Park: Melbourne-based not-for-profit offering school environmental education programs, sustainability workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. Comparable as an Australian environmental education provider serving schools with curriculum-aligned programs and corporate/community partnerships.
• Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation: Australian not-for-profit running school-based Kitchen Garden programs that teach sustainability, food growing, and environmental stewardship. Directly comparable school-based, curriculum-aligned sustainability program with government and corporate sponsorship funding.
• Cool Australia: Australian not-for-profit that delivers free, curriculum-aligned sustainability education resources and teacher professional development to schools nationally. Directly comparable to EcoMarines in mission (school environmental education), funding model (government + corporate + philanthropic), and target customer (Australian K-12 teachers and students).
• Reef Guardian Schools (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority): Australian Government program that supports schools around the Great Barrier Reef to take action to protect the Reef. Directly comparable: free school environmental program, marine/conservation focus, government-funded, Queensland-heavy footprint, similar ambassador/action-project model.

Broad incumbents

• Bush Heritage Australia: Larger Australian conservation not-for-profit focused on land acquisition and conservation, with corporate partnerships, donations, and government support. Comparable non-profit conservation mission and funding stack, though focused on land conservation rather than school delivery.
• Australian Wildlife Conservancy: Larger Australian not-for-profit focused on wildlife conservation with education and advocacy components. Comparable as a national environmental NGO with diversified corporate, government, and donor revenue streams targeting conservation outcomes.
• Taronga Conservation Society Australia: Large, established Australian zoo-based conservation and education organisation running school environmental programs including Zoo education and wildlife conservation curricula. Comparable as a school-facing environmental education provider, though broader in scope (operates zoos) and not regional-Queensland specific.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EcoMarines
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQp2ODpvhBo7gCqwwGjSlKg
• Facebookfacebook.com/EcoMarines
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ecomarines
• Instagraminstagram.com/ecomarines_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 EcoMarines