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9 marine conservation organisations to follow in 2026

ByEcoOceanEscapes

Want to give our oceans a helping hand? Discover 9 marine conservation organisations to follow in 2026, all of which are prioritising the long-term health of our underwater ecosystems.

Our oceans are a life force on this planet. Marine species account for more than 90% of all life on Earth, yet they face grave threats that demand action. From overfishing to plastic pollution and chemical contamination, the issues can seem overwhelming.

While governments drag their feet, dedicated nonprofits are leading the charge to protect marine environments.

As divers and surfers, we share a special bond with the underwater world. Here at EcoOceanEscapes, we think we have an obligation to step up when the actions of our fellow humans are degrading marine habitats.

The good news is, there are plenty of conservation groups with a marine focus that you can support through monetary donations or hands-on participation.

These nonprofits work tirelessly to safeguard oceans on both public and political fronts. All while providing passionate citizens with the knowledge to make impactful decisions. 

In this article, discover 9 marine conservation organisations to follow in 2026. By doing so, you’ll be making our oceans healthier environments for marine life and everyone who uses them as a playground.

A sea turtle ascend to the water's surface to breathe

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Oceana

Oceana is the largest organisation in the world solely devoted to marine conservation and we love the work they do.

Since its founding in 2001 by The Pew Charitable Trusts (and other philanthropic foundations), Oceana has achieved hundreds of concrete policy victories for marine ecosystems. 

These include tackling major sources of ocean pollution like oil spills, mercury contamination, aquaculture runoff and shipping emissions. In doing so, they are helping to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Arctic, the Aleutian Islands and the Mediterranean Sea. 

With an impressive track record spanning two decades, Oceana continues to lead the charge in preserving our blue planet’s biodiversity. It achieves this through science-based advocacy, policy and public education.

Yes, there’s still much work to be done. But Oceana campaigns have made the oceans a little cleaner and safer for all their inhabitants.

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Marine conservation organisations to follow: A hammerhead shark surrounded by reef fish
Marine conservation organisations to follow: A hammerhead shark surrounded by reef fish

World Wildlife Fund

Since its founding in 1961, the World Wildlife Fund has been working in the field of wilderness preservation. It is dedicated to safeguarding natural habitats and reducing the harmful effects of human activity.

This conservation juggernaut has rallied over 6 million members across 100 countries to join their crusade, which includes initiatives to save our seas and coastlines. 

Their top marine priorities? Working with fisherfolk worldwide to set sustainability standards and protecting the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems from the fallout of climate change.

They are also on a mission to expand mangroves by 20% before 2030 – an ambitious goal to stabilise our coasts.

WWF takes a 360-degree approach – acting locally and globally to deliver innovative solutions that benefit both people and nature. Through their blending of science and activism, the organisation is making a huge difference and giving our planet’s natural ecosystems a fighting chance of survival. 

Olive Ridley Project

Despite being the smallest sea turtle (they grow to just over two feet in length), the olive ridley plays a big role in ocean ecosystems.

Though abundant, they face serious threats – primarily from ghost nets. These discarded fishing nets drift through the oceans like ghosts, ensnaring turtles and other animals along the way. While some animals are injured by the nets, others drown. 

To combat this problem, the Olive Ridley Project conducts education and outreach programs that increase awareness about the proper disposal of old nets. They also take direct action, physically removing ghost nets from the water.

Their goal is to reduce the threat of ghost nets in the Indian Ocean to an undetectable level and help save olive ridley turtles from demise.

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Marine conservation organisations to follow: A blue hole seen from the air
Marine conservation organisations to follow: A blue hole seen from the air

HEPCA

For 20 years, the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) has been a champion of the Red Sea’s fragile ecosystem.

This non-profit organisation actively protects the ocean by mobilising communities, conducting research and launching conservation projects.

Their most visible contribution? The ubiquitous red trash cans found throughout Hurghada, which help mitigate the area’s major waste problem.

But HEPCA’s impact extends well beyond trash collection. They work closely with the Egyptian government to implement sustainable tourism practices and amend environmental policies.

To date, their advocacy has led to 32 new or revised laws that protect the Red Sea. In addition, the HEPCA Mooring Team installs safe anchors at popular dive sites to prevent coral damage. 

Through community development initiatives and education, HEPCA encourages sustainability among Hurghada residents.

Over the last two decades, its dedicated team has admirably worked towards preserving the Red Sea’s natural splendour through hands-on conservation and hard work. 

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A dive liveaboard moored alongside a reef in the Red Sea
A dive liveaboard moored alongside a reef in the Red Sea

Marine Megafauna Foundation

Divers dream of stunning encounters with giants of the deep – whale sharks, manta rays and other marine megafauna. To protect these magnificent creatures, the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) was formed in 2003.

Their mission: research, protect and conserve sharks, rays, marine mammals and turtles along the Mozambican coast and beyond.

As the name suggests, the MMF focuses specifically on marine megafauna. These long-lived, slow-reproducing animals are vital components of ocean ecosystems. But they are often the first affected by human pressures.

Fortunately, their charisma generates public interest when it comes to conservation, making them useful ambassadors for the marine environment.

While fisheries around the globe have decimated marine megafauna populations, Mozambique is a hotspot. Here, whale sharks, manta rays and other threatened species thrive.

The MMF aims to conduct research to directly aid the conservation of these species as far afield as Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Myanmar, Indonesia and Tanzania.

For an eco-friendly vacation in Mozambique, check out these incredible places to dive and eco-friendly places to stay.

Coral Reef Alliance

When Stephen Colwell founded the Coral Reef Alliance (CRA) in 1994, he aimed to engage divers in protecting our underwater worlds. What began as a grassroots effort in Berkeley has blossomed into a global mission to unite communities around coral conservation.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Coral Reef Alliance collaborates closely with fishermen, government leaders, divers and scientists. Their aim is to develop tailored solutions that boost the health of reefs.

Following their work in Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia and Central America, they have sparked a ripple effect of reef restoration around the globe.

Today, the CRA is on a mission to reduce local threats like overfishing, pollution and coastal development. All while empowering communities to benefit socially, culturally and economically from conservation.

Additionally, they work to improve reef management systems and partner with tourism operators to reduce environmental impacts.

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Marine conservation organisations to follow: A pair of whale sharks at the water's surface
Marine conservation organisations to follow: A pair of whale sharks at the water’s surface

Ocean Conservancy

When it comes to protecting the big blue, the Ocean Conservancy is doing its part.

Since 1972, this U.S.-based organisation has gone by many names – from Delta Conservancy to the Center for Environmental Education. But its mission remains clear. They’re on a quest to save our seas through public education and policy change.

One of their most famous efforts? The International Coastal Cleanup.

Every year, millions of volunteers across the globe band together to pick up trash and record what they find on beaches. It’s an inspiring display of people power that is making a considerable difference and something that you can easily become a part of. 

By reaching out to communities and governments, the Ocean Conservancy is creating a meaningful impact. They restore sustainable fisheries, protect fragile underwater habitats and reduce human harm to marine ecosystems. Thanks to their pioneering work, our ocean wildlife has a fighting chance.

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Marine conservation organisations to follow: Bubbles at the water's surface
Marine conservation organisations to follow: Bubbles at the water’s surface

PADI AWARE Foundation

Founded by PADI in 1989, the PADI AWARE Foundation is on a mission to protect our oceans through hands-on conservation programs.

This global organisation empowers scuba divers to take action as citizen scientists, collecting vital data and removing trash from the seafloor. 

The Dive Against Debris program, engaging over 100,000 divers across 117 countries, has created the largest underwater cleanup effort on the planet. Additionally, it provides powerful insights for policy change.

In 2021, the Foundation rallied divers worldwide to advocate for the protection of vulnerable mako sharks. Their collective voice led to a historic ban on catching these imperilled creatures. 

The Foundation also empowers local communities through grants and supports the creation of marine protected areas.

Their Adopt the Blue program allows anyone to “adopt” and protect endangered marine species and habitats around the globe, ensuring everyone can help build an abundant ocean planet.

Want to learn more about PADI Aware and how you can get involved? Check out our detailed article here.

The Nature Conservancy

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been a leading voice for our planet’s lands and waters. With its decades of experience, it’s one of the best marine conservation organisations to follow in 2026.

Over one million members strong, this respected organisation takes action at a global scale to protect the diversity of life on Earth. 

When it comes to marine conservation, The Nature Conservancy has made a positive impact through over 100 projects worldwide. These include mapping the wealth of the oceans to inform decision-makers, revitalising coral reefs and fish habitats, and safeguarding coastlines. 

For over 70 years, The Nature Conservancy has pursued lasting solutions for both people and nature, enabling sustainable fisheries and ocean ecosystems to thrive.

Their innovative, science-based approach gives hope that our marine life and ocean habitats will flourish for generations to come.

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About the authors

We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.

Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.  

Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans. 

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