Whether you live on the coast, or on a landlocked mountaintop, the world’s oceans and seas impact your life. Oceans play a vital role in regulating the earth’s temperature and climate patterns, acting like a giant solar panel that soaks up heat from the sun and distributes it across the earth through a complex system of currents.
The next time you take a deep breath of fresh air, thank an ocean. Tiny phytoplankton produce about half the oxygen on earth, and form the foundation of the ocean’s ecosystem. These small creatures are critical to the survival of larger species, including the fisheries resources that directly support the livelihoods of about 10% of the human population.
Oceans cover roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface, and contain an estimated 50%–80% of life on our planet. But the reality is that we know more about the surface of the Moon and Mars than we do about the ocean floor.
Despite the vital importance of oceans’ health for life on earth, the sad truth is that they are in trouble. Sensitive habits like coral systems and mangroves are under long-term threat, and roughly 80% of all researched fish stocks are either fully exploited or over-exploited, according to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
While many of these issues will require leadership from governments and businesses, here are some choices that you can adopt that will make a big difference for the ocean.
By signing up for our newsletter, you’ll receive updates about advocacy opportunities, reports from CITES and United Nations meetings, and our popular Ocean Week in Review, which keeps you ocean-news savvy. Subscriptions can be tailored so you get exactly what YOU want to read, as often as YOU want to read it.
For a small organization, Sea Save has a big impact — and it’s all made possible by our amazing volunteers. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few days a year, there’s a way for you to contribute your skills and passion. Our “Pod” includes writers, photographers, scientists, event coordinators, policy advocates, and ocean lovers from all walks of life. Want to be part of our global team and help make waves for the ocean?
Sea Save Foundation is a non-partisan advocate for practical, science-based policies that defend ocean life while preserving local economies. Before you vote, research which candidates will make ocean-friendly decisions. After elections, call and write to your elected officials encouraging them to support ocean conservation measures. Make your commitment now to #VoteTheOcean.
Your contribution makes an immediate impact. Every dollar supports Sea Save Foundation’s work — from advocating for international ocean protections to educating the public on critical marine issues. We also welcome gifts of stocks, bonds, and estate bequests, allowing you to make a lasting difference for our oceans. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly pledge, your support helps us turn the tide.
Your choices matter. Avoid unsustainable products such as cosmetics with microbeads or jewelry made of coral or sea turtle shell — and support Sea Save while you shop. Through the Kroger Community Rewards program (including Ralph’s, Food 4 Less, and Fred Meyer), you can link your store loyalty card to Sea Save Foundation, and a percentage of your purchases will be donated automatically every time you shop.
Did you know your clunker car, RV, motorcycle — even a boat — can be donated, tax-deducted, and hauled away with just one phone call? Our partner CARS takes care of everything from pickup to sale and sends you the donation receipt and tax documents. No stress for you, and big support for our oceans.
By joining our advocacy campaigns, you can help create change on a global scale. We’ll alert you when urgent action is needed, and provide the tools to reach decision-makers quickly and effectively. Your voice matters — and together, our voices are powerful.
When plastic waste reaches the ocean, it kills birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Choose reusable items over single-use plastic bags and bottles, and avoid products with excessive packaging. Sea Save is a proud strategic partner in the Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Many tourist souvenirs are made from threatened or endangered marine species — coral jewelry, sea turtle shell combs, shark teeth, dried seahorses, or shells from protected species. Buying them fuels demand and is illegal to import into many countries, including the United States. Even if customs confiscates an item, the damage is already done. Choose keepsakes that celebrate local culture without harming our oceans.
Join Sea Save Foundation as an exclusive member of our insider community — a dedicated group committed to our mission and critical to our success. Merfolk are a major force in helping us turn the tide toward healthy oceans.
To become part of the pod, we ask that you:
Dedicate your Social Media Birthday Fundraiser to Sea Save Foundation
Celebrations are always sweeter when shared — and now, you can make your birthday even more memorable by pledging your special day to our oceans. If you’re not sure how, we’ll guide you step-by-step. Worried you might forget? We’ll send you a friendly reminder three weeks before your birthday.
Pledge a Monthly Gift
Commit to a consistent donation of $20 or more each month. This dependable support allows us to launch ambitious programs with the confidence that resources will be there to underwrite our efforts.
Be Added to the Mermaid Warrior Hotline
When a critical initiative is completed, you’ll be the first to know. We’ll send you a text message so you can help amplify the news within your network.
Your voice online has power. Follow Sea Save Foundation on your favorite platforms and share our posts. Add your own thoughts or ocean stories to inspire others. The more we spread the word, the bigger our wave of change.
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The RoundUp App lets you link your credit or debit card so purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar, with the spare change donated to Sea Save Foundation. Set a monthly cap and give at a level that works for you — small amounts add up to huge impact.
From sunscreen to cleaning supplies, many everyday products can harm marine life through toxic runoff. Choose reef-safe sunscreens and biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners to keep harmful chemicals out of our oceans.