Program areas at TOF
PROTECTING SPECIES OF CONCERN - For many of us, our first interest in the oceans began with an interest in the large animals that call it home. Whether it be the awe inspired by a gentle humpback whale, the undeniable charisma of a curious dolphin, or the ferocious gaping maw of a great white shark, these animals are more than just the ambassadors of the sea. These apex predators and keystone species keep the ocean ecosystem in balance, and the health of their populations often serves as an indicator for the health of the oceans as a whole.
PROTECTING MARINE HABITATS AND SPECIAL PLACES - Our oceans are a mosaic of special places, from the bustling vibrancy of coral reefs to the tidal pools of the rocky coasts to the stark, glistening beauty of the frozen Arctic. These habitats and ecosystems are more than just picturesque; they all provide vital benefits to the health of the ocean, the plants and animals that live in them, and the human communities that depend on them.
EXPANDING OCEAN LITERACY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS - One of the most significant barriers to progress in the marine conservation sector is a lack of real understanding about the vulnerability and connectivity of ocean systems. It is easy to think of the oceans as vast, almost unlimited sources of food and recreation with abundant animals, plants, and protected spaces. Thus, it can be difficult to see the destructive consequences of human activities along the coast and below the surface. This lack of awareness creates a significant need for programs that effectively communicate how the health of our oceans relates to climate change, the global economy, biodiversity, human health, and our quality of life.
BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF THE MARINE CONSERVATION COMMUNITY - There are many outstanding conservation organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving our oceans. The Ocean Foundation provides assistance to these entities, which have a need to develop a certain skill or competence, or for general upgrading of performance ability. The Ocean Foundation was created in part to bring new financial and technical resources to the table so that we can increase the capacity of these organizations to pursue their missions.