Catchafire

The Ocean Project’s does cutting-edge communications research to assist our partner network of over 1,600 zoos, aquariums, museums, and other conservation organizations effectively connect with their audiences. By using the best communications strategies, we go beyond just raising awareness and create real change for the ocean through conservation action.

We also coordinate World Oceans Day, the rapidly growing UN-recognized day of ocean celebration held every June 8th.

Since its formation in the late 1990s, The Ocean Project has grown from a handful of founding North American aquariums into the world’s most extensive network for advancing ocean education and action. Our growing network includes over 1,600 partner aquariums, zoos, science, technology, and natural history museums, and other education and conservation organizations, agencies, and institutions in all 50 U.S. states and 80 other countries that together serve more than 400 million visitors each year.

Through cutting-edge communications research and building strong collaborations with trusted messengers, The Ocean Project aims to spur a significant increase in successful ocean and climate conservation efforts. Our Partners are the leading gatekeepers in providing the public with experiences that engage them, inspire them to take action at home and in their communities, and increase their understanding of science and conservation. Thus, we focus our resources on reaching and leveraging frontline zoo, aquarium, and museum staff, challenging and helping them to more effectively communicate and educate with their onsite and online visitors for conservation outcomes. Specifically, we:

• Lead a cutting-edge communications research initiative on public attitudes and motivations regarding the ocean, climate change, and related environmental issues

• Develop new methods and campaigns for measurably increasing ocean awareness and conservation action among zoo, aquarium, and museum visitors and the public, especially youth and minorities

• Build the communications, education, and outreach capacities of zoos, aquariums, and museums to effectively reach their global audiences for conservation outcomes

• Broker connections and fosters networking among zoos, aquariums, and museums and other organizations in our global partner network

• Empower our growing partner network to build a stronger global ocean conservation movement