History
50+ Years of Impact
Ocean Conservancy’s journey from grassroots beginnings to global ocean advocacy has shaped policies, inspired millions and protected marine life worldwide. Explore below to see our history unfold.
The Very Beginning: 1972 – the early 80s
1972: The Founding of the Delta Organization
In 1972, the Delta Organization—the organization that would one day become Ocean Conservancy—was founded. The Delta Organization began as a nonprofit focused on environmental education.
1975: The Delta Organization Becomes the Center for Environmental Education (CEE)
The Delta Organization soon rebranded as the Center for Environmental Education (CEE) and turned its focus toward the ocean, launching campaigns to protect whales and funds for seals and sea turtles.
Early 1980's: Development of Ocean Conservation Programs
CEE led marine sanctuary efforts for the NGO community, advocating for their creation as well as for adequate federal funding and effective management. Our efforts helped make the sanctuaries vital and viable, rather than “paper parks.” This work solidified the organization’s long-term commitment to protecting biodiversity.
1972: The Founding of the Delta Organization
In 1972, the Delta Organization—the organization that would one day become Ocean Conservancy—was founded. The Delta Organization began as a nonprofit focused on environmental education.
1975: The Delta Organization Becomes the Center for Environmental Education (CEE)
The Delta Organization soon rebranded as the Center for Environmental Education (CEE) and turned its focus toward the ocean, launching campaigns to protect whales and funds for seals and sea turtles.
Early 1980's: Development of Ocean Conservation Programs
CEE led marine sanctuary efforts for the NGO community, advocating for their creation as well as for adequate federal funding and effective management. Our efforts helped make the sanctuaries vital and viable, rather than “paper parks.” This work solidified the organization’s long-term commitment to protecting biodiversity.
A New Era of Protection: 1986 – 1996
1986: The Birth of International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC)
In 1986, launched in Texas, our first International Coastal Cleanup event attracted thousands of volunteers and became a global movement for ocean health and public engagement.
1989: Center for Environmental Education Becomes Center for Marine Conservation
To reflect its mission to address systemic threats to the ocean, the organization was renamed the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) in 1989. That same year, it responded quickly to the Exxon Valdez oil spill with leadership, research and policy advocacy.
1996: Managing Fisheries for Conservation
In 1996, CMC played a key role in shaping the Sustainable Fisheries Act, landmark legislation to end overfishing and rebuild depleted stocks.
1986: The Birth of International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC)
In 1986, launched in Texas, our first International Coastal Cleanup event attracted thousands of volunteers and became a global movement for ocean health and public engagement.
1989: Center for Environmental Education Becomes Center for Marine Conservation
To reflect its mission to address systemic threats to the ocean, the organization was renamed the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) in 1989. That same year, it responded quickly to the Exxon Valdez oil spill with leadership, research and policy advocacy.
1996: Managing Fisheries for Conservation
In 1996, CMC played a key role in shaping the Sustainable Fisheries Act, landmark legislation to end overfishing and rebuild depleted stocks.
Expanding the Fight: 2002 – Present
2002: Welcome to Ocean Conservancy
In 2002, the Ocean Conservancy name was adopted and the rebranded organization continued key efforts to shape U.S. policy to confront the greatest challenges facing our ocean: plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
2010: Confronting Tragedy
Ocean Conservancy played a leading role in the scientific and policy response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf—focusing on long-term restoration, securing safeguards for vital Arctic ecosystems, and successfully advocating for stronger international biodiversity and ocean protections.
Late 2000's and Beyond: Securing a Healthy Ocean for Everyone
In the 21st century, the organization has vastly increased its international focus to ensure stronger policies and on-the-water conservation for our ocean. Now, with more than 50 years of proven leadership, Ocean Conservancy inspires a global network of advocates, policymakers, scientists, businesses of all sizes and communities to act boldly for a flourishing ocean. Together, we are working to secure a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.
2002: Welcome to Ocean Conservancy
In 2002, the Ocean Conservancy name was adopted and the rebranded organization continued key efforts to shape U.S. policy to confront the greatest challenges facing our ocean: plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
2010: Confronting Tragedy
Ocean Conservancy played a leading role in the scientific and policy response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf—focusing on long-term restoration, securing safeguards for vital Arctic ecosystems, and successfully advocating for stronger international biodiversity and ocean protections.
Late 2000's and Beyond: Securing a Healthy Ocean for Everyone
In the 21st century, the organization has vastly increased its international focus to ensure stronger policies and on-the-water conservation for our ocean. Now, with more than 50 years of proven leadership, Ocean Conservancy inspires a global network of advocates, policymakers, scientists, businesses of all sizes and communities to act boldly for a flourishing ocean. Together, we are working to secure a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.