We imagine a world with healthy, thriving, and sustainable populations of all marine life.
— Dr. Erin Ashe
Our Mission
Oceans Initiative is a team of scientists on a mission to protect marine life and the ecosystems on which they depend, and to share our innovative science to guide conservation action.
Get to Know Us
Like the whales and dolphins we study, we are highly migratory. We spend half our time getting our feet wet in the field, wherever our work is needed. The other half is spent using our science to inform smart decisions to conserve marine wildlife.
What We Do
We conduct use-inspired conservation science to identify marine species most in need of protection and ways to reduce human impacts to ensure survival and recovery of marine species.
Who We Are
Oceans Initiative is a Seattle-based nonprofit founded and run by two marine conservation scientists dedicated to protecting marine life and ocean habitats—Dr. Erin Ashe and Dr. Rob Williams.
How We Work
Our team tackles every aspect of marine conservation science with the goal of making conservation both easier for decision-makers to understand and easier for people to practice.
Where We Work
We are grounded in the Pacific Northwest, but our research has a global reach.
Click the points on the map to see examples of our published science.
Our Impact
Oceans Initiative 2022 Impact Report
With your support, Oceans Initiative continues to provide trustworthy science to guide real-world conservation decisions. Working with colleagues in all levels of government, corporate and nonprofit partners, and indigenous co-managers, we have made measurable progress toward preventing extinctions, safeguarding marine biodiversity, and protecting wild places—locally, regionally, and internationally. Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep our oceans clean, quiet, and full of life.
