As 2025 comes to a close, Oceanic Society celebrates a year of measurable progress in ocean conservation, made possible through the generosity and vision of our donors, travelers, and partners. Together, you helped deepen connections between people and nature and advance our mission of building a more oceanic society.
Your support made significant achievements possible this year—from reducing plastic pollution and advancing sea turtle conservation to expanding ocean experiences in San Francisco. These accomplishments reflect real improvements in the health of wildlife, coastlines, and communities worldwide, such as the global status improvement of the green sea turtle, a rare and meaningful conservation win decades in the making.
As we look toward 2026, we invite you to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to sustain this momentum. Your support now ensures we can continue delivering conservation outcomes at a global scale. Thanks to a generous supporter, all gifts will be matched 1:1 through December 31, doubling your impact.
Improving Access to Ocean Experiences
Our Conservation Scholars Program offers free, educational ocean experiences to students from underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
→ 8 free educational cruises provided for 334 students
→ 81% of students gained a new or increased interest in pursuing an environmental career path
→ 85% of students reported an increased desire to learn more about marine life
→ 91% of students improved their understanding of how to care for the environment
→ 100% of students made individual pledges to support environmental conservation in their communities.
For 78% of participating students in 2025, their Conservation Scholars Trip was their first time experiencing the ocean from a boat.
These numbers represent more than participation. They reflect life-changing experiences that shape how young people see and value the ocean. Each trip includes hands-on learning aligned with classroom curriculum, giving educators innovative ways to teach environmental science.
In 2025, we hosted 8 cruises, welcoming 334 students, 78% of whom experienced the ocean from a boat for the first time, a milestone that often sparks lasting curiosity and confidence. To date, we’ve led 36 cruises for 1,370 students. With several trips already scheduled, we look forward to expanding this program in 2026.
“Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I had a great time being there and learning about planktons and seals and sea lions!”
— Sonia, 2025 Conservation Scholar
Sea Turtle Conservation
We support and strengthen local sea turtle conservation programs worldwide because sea turtles are powerful flagships for ocean conservation.
→ Published the first Global Sea Turtle Atlas
→ 48 maps of sea turtle populations produced
→ 96 figures on conservation status published
→ $20,000 provided in grant support to frontline conservationists
→ 20 grants awarded in 11 countries
→ Published the Conservation Priorities Portfolio 2.0
→ 1 educational film produced and shared
→ 14 African conservationists sponsored to attend ISTS conference and training
Our sea turtle team co-led a behavior change workshop in March 2025 that was attended by 40 people from more than 20 countries, including 14 West African conservationists whose participation was fully funded by Oceanic Society.
In 2025, our State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) Program celebrated its 20th anniversary with the landmark release of the 20th volume of the SWOT Report. Featuring the first Global Sea Turtle Atlas, the report is a companion to the scientific publication, Conservation Priorities Portfolio 2.0 (also published in 2025), and offers a timely resource to guide global conservation efforts. These tools are now helping conservation planners worldwide to prioritize conservation efforts, strengthen monitoring programs, and address the greatest threats facing sea turtles.
We also invested in field-based partners worldwide, awarding 20 small grants across more than a dozen countries. To date, the program has awarded 180 grants supporting partners in 57 countries and territories.
Global Ocean Cleanup
Since 2022, our Global Ocean Cleanup has used behavior science, storytelling, and community-led cleanups to mobilize a global movement against ocean plastic pollution. With hundreds of partners, we take action online and on the ground to reduce waste and inspire change.
→ 47.4 tons of marine debris removed from 53.3 miles of coastline
→ $20,000 provided in grants to partners for cleanup efforts
→ 54 coastal cleanups facilitated in 25 countries
→ 1,984 volunteers engaged
→ 1 million people reached online
Through the 2025 Global Ocean Cleanup, we mobilized partners worldwide to remove waste from critical ocean habitats in 25 countries and engaged the public through an online multimedia campaign that reached more than 1 million people. To date, we have supported 155 cleanups in more than 25 countries through the Global Ocean Cleanup, collectively removing 133 tons of debris from 140 miles of coastline.
“The Global Ocean Cleanup is a powerful way to unite worldwide actions. It’s also a chance to show every small local action can contribute to global impact. You are not alone in this… we are hand in hand working towards healthier oceans.”
— Rika Sukmaputri, OceanCycle, Indonesia
Conservation Travel
We lead global nature travel programs and California whale watching tours that support ocean conservation through our unique non-profit model.
→ 990,320 generated for conservation
→ 2,283 passengers served
→ 181 whale flukes identified
→ 115 educational expeditions led
→ 44 tons of trash removed and 1,764 work days funded through our Plastic Pollution Offset Program
→ 1,130 hours of volunteer work facilitated
→ 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner
Our Farallon Islands Whale Watching Trip was named a 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner
Since 1969, Oceanic Society has pioneered responsible nature travel that supports ocean conservation. Each traveler who joins us plays a direct role in supporting conservation programs, creating jobs for local partners, and strengthening the economies that depend on healthy ecosystems.
In 2025, our Farallon Islands whale watching program earned a 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of experiences worldwide and recognizing both our exceptional traveler reviews and our conservation-focused mission.
In total, our travel programs generated nearly $1 million for conservation and funded the removal of 200 pounds of ocean trash for every traveler through our Plastic Pollution Offset Program. To date, we’ve removed 110 tons of waste through this initiative.
“Oceanic Society offers a truly life-changing experience. With 100% of the cost going to ocean conservation and partnerships with local organizations, every trip makes a real impact. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and you can learn as much about wildlife and ecosystems as you’d like. It’s immersive, meaningful, and respectful of nature. Highly recommended for those seeking purpose-driven travel.”
— 2025 Oceanic Society Traveler
Thank You for an Amazing Year
Thank you for being part of this global community working to protect our ocean. Your partnership continues to ripple outward in powerful ways.
Help us continue to grow our impact in 2026 with an end-of-year donation. Donate by December 31, 2025, and your donation will be doubled until we reach our goal of $50,000.
Double Your Donation
Make a gift to ocean conservation through December 31, 2025, and your donation will be matched 1:1!
