Why was SeaWeb created?

SeaWeb was founded in 1996 on the belief that the power of communications can be harnessed to protect the ocean. The underlying premise was that as more people begin to understand and appreciate Earth as a water planet, they will take action to conserve the ocean and the life within it. For more about the origins of SeaWeb, see History.

Does the name SeaWeb refer to the World Wide Web?

No. When SeaWeb was founded in 1996, the primary inspiration for the name was the ecological concept of the “web of life.” SeaWeb also refers to a dynamic web of communications tools and activities to promote ocean conservation and strategically connect individuals and groups working on these issues.

Why does SeaWeb focus exclusively on ocean conservation?

Earth truly is a water planet – in fact, water covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface. The global ocean plays myriad roles in sustaining life, including regulating our climate, generating oxygen, providing a major source of animal protein for humans, and much more. As long as the health of the ocean is at risk, both the global environment and the health of humanity overall are at risk.

What does SeaWeb consider to be the major threats to the ocean?

The major threats to the ocean include overfishing and destructive fishing practices; pollution, including chemical pollution, nutrient pollution and marine debris; uncontrolled coastal development; the introduction of invasive species; the damming of rivers; the destruction of the ozone layer; and global climate change.

How is SeaWeb different from other ocean conservation organizations?

SeaWeb uniquely combines issue expertise, communications savvy and policy strategy, enabling us to promote solutions, catalyze action, and change behaviors to ensure a healthy ocean and a sustainable future. In other words, we are a communications-based non-profit organization that uses social marketing techniques to advance ocean conservation. To read about what makes us unique, see How We Make a Difference.

How does SeaWeb work?

SeaWeb runs a number of programs on key ocean conservation issues that are founded upon five guiding principles.

• Science-based: Our approach is grounded in high-quality ocean research, providing decision makers with the most accurate, credible information to advance ocean conservation.
• Communications-driven: We use our communications expertise to translate social science research and policy recommendations into understandable, actionable initiatives that raise awareness of ocean issues and catalyze positive change.
• Independent: We are a uniquely independent resource for ocean information, policies and industry practices, with no affiliation to a specific political party, interest group or business.
• Integrated: We unite leaders across sectors of society, leveraging the power of markets, science and policy to promote a healthy ocean.
• Geographically oriented: Our programs are focused in regions with the greatest need for ocean conservation and where we will have the strongest impact

Where is SeaWeb based?

SeaWeb’s home office is in Washington, D.C., but staff members are located across the globe from Santa Barbara to Khazhakstan. We also conduct community-based programs in the islands of the Pacific and opened an office in Paris, France in early 2005 with a focus on seafood sustainability in Europe. For office locations and contact information, see Contact Us.

What are some of SeaWeb’s major accomplishments?

Please see Accomplishments.

How is SeaWeb funded?

SeaWeb receives the bulk of its support from private charitable foundations, and a smaller, yet increasingly significant amount of support from individuals who share our commitment to a healthy ocean. We are proud of our efficiency and effectiveness. Over 94% of the funds we raise go directly to programs, and the results we achieve are envied by organizations ten times our size.

Can I become a member of SeaWeb?

While SeaWeb does not maintain a formal membership, we do accept and appreciate the support of individuals, and offer a number of free resources, such as e-newsletters, through our website. For ways to get involved, see Add Your Voice.

Where can I find additional information?

For information that is not on our website, feel free to email us.