5 Incredible Organizations That Are Making the World's Oceans Cleaner [LIST]

WHAT: A grassroots non-profit organization working to protect and preserve the world's oceans by focusing on water quality, coastal ecosystems, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation.
WHERE: Mainly North America, as well as parts of South America, Europe and Japan.
HOW: Through a powerful activist network, people can connect and participate in coastal conservation efforts. The Surfrider Foundation has a strong social media presence to engage activists and encourage them to take part in activities such as beach cleanups or to sign digital petitions.

WHAT: The largest international ocean conservation organization that works to protect and restore the world’s oceans through targeted policy campaigns.
WHERE: Based in Washington D.C with offices throughout the world.
HOW: Oceana works to protect sea life affected by industrial fishing by using targeted policy campaigns focused on science combined with media, law and public pressure. The clearly defined campaigns, in such fields as responsible fishing and preventing ocean pollution, are designed to produce identifiable policy changes within a 3–5 year timeframe.

WHAT: A free downloadable program that turns the Internet into a globally-connected 3D digital ocean in order to raise awareness about the world's oceans. A group of Hollywood design veterans including Avatar animator Andy Jones, as well as MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito are behind the project and Neil Young, Richard Branson and Jean-Michel Cousteau are all big supporters.
WHERE: All over the Internet.
HOW: As part of the “social digital ocean” users can explore different underwater scenes and search for specific species that they can then purchase for their virtual ocean environment. TheBlu then directs 25% percent of the purchase price of these virtual species directly to non-profit collaborators to fund projects that support their work in the real ocean environment.

WHAT: A non-profit organization dedicated to understanding plastic marine pollution that works towards oceans free of plastic.
WHERE: All over the world.
HOW: Through exploration, scientific research, education, and action the 5 Gyres Institute engages communities in systemic change and encourages corporate partners, policymakers, and the general public to reduce plastic pollution.

WHAT: An initiative to encourage people to leave the world’s beaches and oceans cleaner than when they found them.
WHO: A group of beach lovers, environmentalists and surfers dedicated to keeping their favorite spots free of litter.
WHERE: Based in Australia.
HOW: The nonprofit's solution to transform littered beaches into pristine oases is to get beach goers to pick up three pieces of trash every time they leave the beach.