World Water Day - Best Ocean Conservation Charities to Support 🌊

Oceans are important for the planet. Not only are they a source of food for billions of people, but they are also incredibly important for balancing the climate - by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.

Over 40% of the world's oceans are negatively impacted by human activities including overfishing, pollution runoff from rivers, and polition from recreational activities.

Why Ocean Protection and Conservation Charities Are Important

There have been many incredibly important regulatory initiatives kicked off by governments around the world, but unfortunately, this is not enough to protect our oceans. While there are many great environmental charities fighting across the globe - a few have decided to focus directly

There are many charities that have stepped up and are working to protect and conserve our oceans and the life within. Charities supporting the oceans raise awareness among the public, advocate for policy changes, implement conservation projects, and sometimes destroy illegal whaling vessels ...

These endeavours have a large impact on protecting and restoring the health of our oceans.

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Businesses Supporting Ocean Conservation

In recent years we have seen more and more businesses undertake initiatives to protect the Oceans (or at least do less damage to them).

A partnership between Adidas and Parlay for the Oceans worked to tackle marine pollution by incorporating recycled ocean plastic into Adidas products. By intercepting plastic waste from waterways and turning it into wearable materials. The collaboration helped to both raise awareness but also show the feasibility of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Whether planning a long-term initiative, or a short-term campaign for World Ocean Day, Partnering with a charity is a great way to show your customers that you care.

Here are a few of the best ocean conservation charities to support:

• Marine Conservation Society

• Blue Marine Foundation

• Sea Shepherd

• Surfers Against Sewage

• Oceana

• Sea Life Trust

• Sea Changers

Marine Conservation Society

The Marine Conservation Society is a world renowned organisation that was founded in 1983 with the primary mission of protecting the ocean, restoring marine ecosystems, and raising awareness. They support a number of initiatives including reducing plastic pollution and advocating for sustainable fishing practices.

Through its work - MCS have influenced the protection of over 75,000 square kilometers of water habitat.

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Blue Marine Foundation

Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) was established in 2010 and is focused on combatting overfishing and protecting marine biodiversity. They work towards creating sustainable marine reserves and advocate for government policies geared towards conservation efforts.

BLUE has successfully secured and designated over 4 million square kilometres of marine protected areas worldwide.

Sea Shepherd

Sea Shepherd was one of the first charities to sign up to Virtue (back when we were Pledger). Founded back in 1977, Sea Shepherd's aim is to protect marine wildlife. They make direct efforts against illegal fishing, whaling, and poaching activities all across the world. Their direct action and lobbying efforts have made a serious impact on the whaling and shark fin industries.

To date, Sea Shepherd has assisted in the seizure of over 95 poaching vessels and saved the lives of countless thousands of marine animals.

Surfers Against Sewage

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) was founded in 1990 with the main mission of protecting the coastal environment. They campaign against plastic pollution, sewage contamination, and marine waste. Their efforts also positively impact policy change leading to stricter regulations on plastic use and improved water quality for all (including surfers).

Through their effort, SAS has worked to mobilize over 100,000 volunteers to clean up 1200 beaches!

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Oceana

Oceana was founded in 2001 focusing on ocean conservation via advocacy, legal action, and scientific research. They work with businesses, governments, and local communities to create sustainable fisheries, combat illegal fishing operations, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

To date, they have worked to protect approximately 4.5 million square kilometres of ocean.

Sea Life Trust

Sea Life Trust was founded in 2013 to protect marine life and its habitat. They focus on conservation, research efforts, and educational initiatives to help fight for a cleaner future across the world.

Through their programmes, Sea Life Trust has worked with over 350,000 children in marine education programmes. They have also rescued and rehabilitated over 1000 marine animals and have helped with the release of 50,000+ captive-bred sea turtles.

Sea Changers

Sea Changers is a marine conservation charity founded in 2007. They work with communities to deliver on a range of projects including marine waste clean-ups, habitat restoration, and educational + outreach programmes.

To date - they have funded over 100 marine conservation projects education over 10,000 people about marine conservation and removing over 100 tonnes of litter from maine coastlines

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If you are looking to support Ocean Conservation Charities, there are many excellent options available. Consider donating your time, money or resources to help protect our Oceans.

Support Causes from sales with store and checkout donations. Virtue is an easy to set up fundraising app for eCommerce brands built on Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento. Choose from over 20,000 Causes!

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