World wide Ocean Optics Database – USA - http://wood.jhuapl.edu/ 

The Worldwide Ocean Optics Database is a collection of several hundred ocean optics data sets gathered over time that encompass much of the world's oceans. Because WOOD is comprised of so many different data sets, multiple parameters are available, gathered by many different instruments, and possessing varying levels of quality and editing. Because numerical representation of all data in the database is quickest and easiest, all of this "metadata" is stored as numerical codes by the database. To decipher the codes, follow the appropriate links.....

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – Australia - http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/

Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Online. 
This site is the gateway for information on all aspects of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. Hot Issues - Representative Areas. Visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for any reef use, conservation, research and management information. Visit Reef HQ - the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium site and discover all about this world-renowned living coral reef experience and its education programs.

Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory – USA - http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/

The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) carries out interdisciplinary scientific investigations in oceanography, marine meteorology, and related subjects. PMEL programs focus on coastal and open ocean observations and modeling to improve our understanding of the physical and geochemical processes operating in the world oceans, to define the forcing functions and the processes driving ocean circulation and the global climate system, and to improve environmental forecasting capabilities and other supporting services for marine commerce and fisheries. Results from PMEL research activities contribute to NOAA's strategic goals of implementing seasonal-to-interannual climate forecasts, assessing and predicting decadal-to-centennial climate change, advancing short-term warning and forecast services, and building sustainable fisheries.

Environment Australia Online - Australia - http://www.ea.gov.au/

The goals of the Department are to develop, in the national interest, a proper recognition of environmental, social and related economic values in government decision-making and activities; and to improve the quality of the decision-making process, program delivery and communication by ensuring that Government has available to it reliable information and advice and efficient delivery mechanisms. The Marine Web Site aims to provide information and guidance on action to understand and care for Australia's coasts and oceans, and to promote the wise use of our marine resources.

Greenpeace - Netherlands - http://www.greenpeace.org/

Greenpeace is a non-profit organisation, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. To maintain its independence, Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on contributions from individual supporters and foundation grants. As a global organisation, Greenpeace focuses on the most crucial worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment.

Australian Institute of Marine Science - http://www.aims.gov.au/

Australia's ocean territory is the largest, most diverse and potentially most valuable, yet least understood of all our natural assets. The Australian Institute of Marine Science, (AIMS), was established by the Commonwealth government in 1972 to generate the knowledge needed for the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment, through innovative world-class scientific and technological research. Australia's ocean territory is the largest, most diverse and potentially most valuable, yet least understood, of all our natural assets. This web site has information about our research capabilities, laboratories, current projects and staff. 

  University of Rhode Island - USA -  http://www.uri.edu/

The University of Rhode Island promotes lifelong learning, leadership and service. URI is committed to diversity and respects the rights and dignity of each individual and group.
The University of Rhode Island has a strong tradition of research and outreach in areas that affect people in their daily lives, with particular focus on marine and environmental sciences; children, families, and communities; health sciences; and advanced technology and expertise. URI receives more than $52 million annually in sponsored research funds and consistently ranks among the top institutions in the nation receiving environmental research funds. ...... "Our goal is to show the usefulness of large scale ocean models and to embed local models into these global models to provide a high level of predictive accuracy," Spaulding said.

The Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) - Hawaii, USA - http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/

MAC - International Certification for the Quality and Sustainability of Marine Aquarium Organisms ... from Reef to Retail
The Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is an international, not-for-profit organization that brings marine aquarium animal collectors, exporters, importers and retailers together with aquarium keepers, public aquariums, conservation organizations and government agencies.
MAC's mission is to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for those engaged in the collection and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium.

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) - Global - http://www.icriforum.org/

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a partnership among governments, international organizations, and non-government organizations. It strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems by implementing Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, and other relevant international conventions and agreements. The ICRI was announced at the First Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 1994, and at the high level segment of the Intersessional Meeting of the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development in April 1995. ICRI was originally initiated by the governments of Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Additional partners from governments, United Nations organizations, multilateral development banks, environmental and developmental NGOs, and the private sector have subsequently joined the original founders and are currently collaborating in the International Coral Reef Initiative.

CRC Reef Research Centre - Australia  http://www.reef.crc.org.au/

The CRC Reef Research Centre was established under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Program. The Centre provides strategic scientific information, education and training to enhance reef-based industry and management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The Great Barrier Reef is an area of unique national and international significance comprising the largest and healthiest collection of coral reefs and related ecosystems in the world. Because of its unique values the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is listed under the World Heritage Convention. Within the Area are significant industries, principally commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, shipping and ports. Management of use and conservation of resources is achieved through the world's largest (350,000 km2) multiple use marine parks system, and other management systems. Industries in the Area are significant economically for Queensland and Australia. The total economic value of reef-based tourism is estimated to be $2 billion per annum and fisheries in the order of $750 million annually. The Area supports 2780 licensed master fishermen and more than 600 tourist operators generating significant employment directly or indirectly. These industries depend on a healthy ecosystem for success in an ecologically sustainable way. Major export ports are located in or adjacent to the Area, and the GBR contains significant shipping channels. 

Reef Check - USA - http://www.reefcheck.org/

Founded in 1996, Reef Check is a volunteer, ocean conservation organization designed to save coral reefs globally and temperate reefs in California. Now in its ninth year of operation, Reef Check is active in over 82 countries and territories throughout the world.

Dolphin Research Institute – Australia - http://www.dolphinresearch.org.au/

The Dolphin Research Institute Inc. was seeded in 1989 by a group of like-minded volunteers who wanted to learn more about the dolphins in Port Phillip Bay in order to protect them; it was officially incorporated in 1991. The Dolphin Research Institute is a CSIRO accredited Research Institute. Today it is a lean and efficient not-for-profit organisation which is making a significant impact. Three part-time staff are complemented by a research team consisting of a Research Committee, Summer university scholarship recipients, other university students on projects and an Associate base of over 50 members. A Board of Management oversees the general running and strategic planning of the organisation. Recognised as a leader in the field, the Dolphin Research Institute has provided 21 scholarships to university students over the last four summers. Together these Bachelor of Science students have contributed nearly 150 hours of field work each, totalling some 3000 hours of invaluable field effort.

Ocean Data Images – USA - http://dods.gso.uri.edu/

BBSR´s mission is to conduct research and science education of the highest quality from the special perspective of a mid-ocean island and to provide well-equipped facilities and responsive staff support to visiting scientists, faculty and students from around the world. The DODS home page contains documents describing the ongoing development of the Distributed Ocean Data System including links to the latest software and documentation and a listing of datasets available from DODS servers at URI, NOAA/NODC, NASA/JPL and the US JGOFS Program Office. URI/GSO maintains an archive of 20,000+ satellite images of the atlantic ocean. These images are accessable using Netscape. The Sea Surface Temperature Satellite Imagery page contains a classroom lesson describing some of the uses of those images. Information on El Nino is also available (from NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory). The JGOFS (Joint Global Ocean Flux Study) page contains documentation about JGOFS, its data system and access to JGOFS data. 

Ocean Futures Society - USA - http://www.oceanfutures.org/

The mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. "Protect the ocean and you protect yourself"

The Friends of Hanauma Bay - Hawaii, USA - http://www.friendsofhanaumabay.org/

The Friends of Hanauma Bay supports the University of Hawaii's Hanauma Bay Education Program. Education Program volunteers who give tours of the Bay and staff the education desk are FOHB members.
Protection of the Environment - The Friends of Hanauma Bay has formally adopted the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve under the City's Adopt a Park program, taking responsibility for quarterly cleanups and other enhancements.

Cleveland Weather Station - Australia - http://www.clevelandweather.net

Cleveland Weather Station based on the shores of Moreton Bay provides 15 minute updates 24x7 of all major weather parameters. Graphs and trends are provided for these parameters and there is a webcamera for a instant look at the conditions.

The International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) - UK - http://www.icran.org/

The International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), established in 2000, is a global partnership of coral reef experts who are working to halt and reverse the decline of the health of the world's coral reefs. Made up of some of the world's leading coral reef scientists and conservation groups, ICRAN partners have created a globally integrated action plan to manage and protect coral reefs, based on recommendations from the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). The International Coral Reef Action Network is a coordinated response to ICRI's urgent call to protect coral reefs.
ICRAN is the first partnership of its kind. It is a collective coral reef conservation and research program that combines scientific, cultural and economic perspectives. Building on existing coral reef research, conservation and management programs, it is designed to act on local, regional and international levels. ICRAN provides a strategic network to support coral reef conservation by enabling the partners to focus their efforts through communication and shared resources. The variety of threats that coral reefs are facing requires a multi-faceted and complementary approach-found in ICRAN.

Whale Watching Web - Finland - http://www.physics.helsinki.fi/whale/

Whale watching as a commercial activity began in 1955 in North America along the southern California coast. Today, whale watching is carried on in the waters of some 40 countries, plus Antarctica. All the large whale species and many dolphins and porpoises can be seen regularly on a wide range of tours, lasting from an hour to two weeks. Whale watching is a non-consumptive use of whales with economic, recreational, educational and scientific dimensions. The economic benefits occur in areas where whale watching has quickly become a significant aspect of a local tourism economy. If prospective tour operators examine areas where whale-watching industries have matured and learn from their experiences, whale watching world-wide can continue to grow with maximum benefits accruing to local communities, companies, scientists, conservation societies, whale watchers and, ultimately, the whales themselves.(Cit: Hoyt E.1992. "Whale watching around the world"Int. whale watching bulletin #7)

U.S. Coral Reef Task Force - USA - http://www.coralreef.gov/

In June 1998, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) was established by Presidential Executive Order 13089. Our mission is to lead, coordinate, and strengthen U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and of the Interior, and includes leaders of 12 federal agencies, seven U.S. states and territories, and three freely associated states. To implement the policies and requirements of the Executive Order, the Task Force has provided a forum for coordinated planning and action among federal agencies, state and territorial governments, and nongovernmental partners. To fulfill its mission, the Task Force developed national strategies, targeted initiatives, and new partnerships to strengthen stewardship of the coral reef ecosystems in the United States, territories, commonwealths, and internationally.

The Grand Manan Whale & Seabird Research Station Canada - http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/gmwhale/

The Grand Manan Whale & Seabird Research Station is a non-profit research facility located on the east coast of Canada on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. Well known for its high tides, the Bay of Fundy has abundant marine life that is relatively easy to access for study. Since 1981 our researchers have conducted field studies from June through November, when most of the whales, porpoises and seabirds are present in the Bay. The remainder of the year is used to process samples, analyse data, write reports and prepare for the next field season. Our managing director lives year round on the island. Most of our researchers also conduct field studies elsewhere, or are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. We welcome visiting scientists to participate in our programs or conduct their own research from our facility. We also co-operate with researchers who are unable to come to our facility by collecting samples for them. Volunteers are an integral part of our daily operations. Mission Statement: Research and education to promote conservation of the marine ecosystems of the Bay of Fundy. 

University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program - Hawaii, USA - http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/SEAGRANT/

"The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program supports an innovative program of research, education and extension services directed to the improved understanding of marine and coastal resources of the state, region and nation."
What is Sea Grant? The National Sea Grant College Program was founded by the US Congress in the 1960s to encourage the understanding, development, sustainable use, and conservation of marine resources through university-based research, technology, education, and community outreach. In 1968, Congress established Sea Grant as an institutional program at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) and in October 1972, the University was designated one of the first five Sea Grant Colleges.
Today, the UH Sea Grant College Program is part of a nationwide network of 32 institutional programs of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During its 35-plus years, UH Sea Grant, through coordinated research and outreach activities, has attracted an investment of $82 million and built a wide range of partnerships among the university, government and private sectors.

 

   Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation - Canada -  http://cerf.bc.ca/

The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to fund ecological research through eco-tourism. Research is presently focused on the whales and dolphins of British Columbia's Central Coast. The general public is invited to participate in the research directly as 'paying volunteers'. The program funds the research completely, allowing us to remain independent, and it also gets our findings out to the public directly, in a form that they can understand, having gotten their hands dirty themselves. This site is meant both as an information source about our research and eco-tourism programmes, and as a starting point for whale and eco-tourism related web-surfing. You'll find it divided into five major sections. We've tried to make navigating through the site as clear as possible: you'll find drop-down menus at the top & of every page - the left-hand menu switches between sections, while the right-hand menu selects between pages within a section. CERF is a Canadian non-profit organisation that funds research on whales, dolphins, and their environment through an eco-tourism programme. Here you will find information on the whale research trips we offer, as well as on our research programmes. You will also find some general whale & dolphin information. 

ReefBase - Malaysia - http://www.reefbase.org/

ReefBase gathers available knowledge about coral reefs into one information repository. It is intended to facilitate analyses and monitoring of coral reef health and the quality of life of reef-dependent people, and to support informed decisions about coral reef use and management. ReefBase is the official database of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), as well as the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN). The ReefBase Project is housed at the WorldFish Center in Penang, Malaysia, with funding through ICRAN from the United Nations Foundation (UNF).

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) - USA - http://www.coralreef.noaa.gov/

From mapping and monitoring to managing reef resources and removing harmful debris, the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) addresses the priorities laid out in both the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs and the National Coral Reef Action Strategy. The CRCP supports effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems to help fulfill NOAA’s requirements under a number of mandates, including the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (pdf, 36kb).
The CRCP is a partnership between the NOAA Line Offices working on coral reef issues, including the National Ocean Service (NOS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the National Environmental Satellites, Data and Information Service (NESDIS). Links to NOAA offices that are part of the CRCP can be found in the CoRIS library.

Earthwatch  - USA - http://www.earthwatch.org/

Earthwatch Institute operates on a very simple but radical notion: that if you fully involve the general public in the process of science, you not only give them understanding, you give the world a future. The mission of the Earthwatch Institute is to promote sustainable conservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships between scientists, educators and the general public. We accomplish this through three primary objectives: Research - Supporting the field work of research scientists worldwide collecting the base line data essential for sustainable management decisions - Education - Educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders in education, business and the general public both at home and overseas - Conservation - Solving problems by active and ground-breaking collaborations with conservation and preservation partners. 

Graduate School of Oceanography URI - USA - http://www.gso.uri.edu/

The Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) of the University of Rhode Island offers instruction leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in biological, chemical, physical, and geological oceanography as well as in interdisciplinary and related areas such as atmospheric chemistry. GSO now offers a non-thesis degree, the Master of Oceanography (MO). GSO is one of the largest and most widely known graduate schools of oceanography in the United States, with approximately 100 students currently enrolled and more than 600 alumni. It is the cornerstone of an array of marine programs at the University, providing the opportunity for students in several other graduate programs to conduct research in marine-related areas.

Reef Environmental Education Foundation - USA - http://www.reef.org/

Our Mission - To educate, enlist and enable divers and non-divers alike to become active stewards in the conservation of coral reefs and other marine habitats. REEF was founded in 1990, out of growing concern about the health of the marine environment, and the desire to provide the SCUBA diving community a way to contribute to the understanding and protection of marine populations. REEF achieves this goal primarily through its volunteer fish monitoring program, the REEF Fish Survey Project. Participants in the Project not only learn about the environment they are diving in, but they also produce valuable information. Scientists, marine park staff, and the general public use the data that are collected by REEF volunteers.

The Global Coral Reef Alliance - USA - http://www.globalcoral.org/

The Global Coral Reef Alliance is a small, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to growing, protecting and managing the most threatened of all marine ecosystems—coral reefs. Founded in 1990. GCRA is a coalition of volunteer scientists, divers, environmentalists and other individuals and organizations, committed to coral reef preservation. We primarily focus on coral reef restoration, marine diseases and other issues caused by global climate change, environmental stress and pollution.

CSIRO Division of Marine Research – Australia - http://www.marine.csiro.au/

The Australian Oceanographic Data Centre (AODC) was established in 1964 within the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as a result of an agreement between the CSIRO Division of Fisheries and Oceanography, the Bureau of Meteorology and the Department of Navy. The aim of this agreement was to improve the communication of oceanographic information and data within the Defence and civil communities. AODC was established within the Hydrographic Service of the RAN and from 1965 to 1982 consisted of a single civilian officer with administrative support provided Hydrographic Office personnel. During the 1980s the AODC steadily grew with an increase in personnel and other resources to keep pace with rapidly growing demand for oceanographic information. In 1993, the AODC separated from the Hydrographic Services and relocated to Maritime Headquarters within the Operations Division of the Maritime Command. Today, the AODC is recognised internationally by the IOC as the national data centre for the acquisition, archival and management of physical oceanographic data in Australia and the focal point for international data exchange. The Head of Marine Agencies (HOMA) Committee and its associated agencies; the Commonwealth Spatial Data Committee's (CSDC) and HOMA's Marine Data Group (MDG) and the ORV FRANKLIN Steering Committee also recognise AODC as the national oceanographic data management agency.

Environment Australia Online - http://www.environment.gov.au/

In 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Australia became guardian of one of the largest ocean territories in the world. Worth an estimated $30 billion to industry annually and supporting a biodiversity as high as any other marine territory, the economic, environmental and social opportunities are immense. All resources - animal, plant and mineral within the 16.1 million square km territory are now ours to use sustainably. In return, Australia is required to further advance knowledge of the territory's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through exploration and marine research and to develop, preserve and protect the marine zone. About the Division: CSIRO Marine Research is leading the drive to create a balance of research skills, knowledge and experience in marine science and technology, so that Australians can better understand their coastal environments and adjoining oceans within our EEZ. CSIRO Marine Research employs more than 340 staff at its three sites: at headquarters in Hobart, at Cleveland near Brisbane and at Marmion in Perth. The annual budget of $37 million represents 5.3 per cent of CSIRO's annual budget and includes the operation of two specialist research vessels, Franklin and Southern Surveyor. Five comprehensive research programs have been shaped to provide research support to a variety of coastal and oceanic industries and clients, among them fishing and aquaculture, marine industries, climate, conservation, water and wastewater, primary industry and land resources, oil and gas, and tourism. The largest marine research agency in Australia, CSIRO Marine Research also shares many national and international research affiliations broadening access to issue-specific expertise and problem-solving.

United Nations Environment Programme - http://www.unep.ch/

MISSION: To provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP IN BRIEF: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is built on a heritage of service to the environment. As one of the productive consequences of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, UNEP provides an integrative and interactive mechanism through which a large number of separate efforts by intergovernmental, non-governmental, national and regional bodies in the service of the environment are reinforced and interrelated. UNEP was established as the environmental conscience of the United Nations system, and has been creating a basis for comprehensive consideration and coordinated action within the UN on the problems of the human environment. 

Sun Dive Byron Bay - Australia - http://www.sundive.com.au

Located just 2.5 kilometres from Byron Bay, one of Australia's most popular travel destinations, the Julian Rocks Marine Park is rated as one of the top ten scuba diving locations anywhere in Australia. The mixing of tropical warm currents with cooler temperate waters makes the diving around Byron Bay unique. There is an amazing diversity and abundance of fish life with over 600 recorded species of tropical, temperate and pelagic fish. Whales, Dolphins, Manta Rays, Leopard Sharks, the endangered Grey Nurse Shark and three species of Turtle are all common visitors to the Julian Rocks. All the action is just 10 minutes from Byron's main beach!

American Institute of Marine Studies - USA - http://www.aimsamerica.org

The American Institute of Marine Studies, Inc. was charged in 1974 with the primary purpose of developing educational programs in oceanography, tropical agriculture, and interrelated fields. From the millennium year our primary focus
shall be to assist the education and research needed for the replenishment of the world's marine resources.