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The oceans are in trouble and the situation is worsening.  But we are not powerless to change that.

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization with a strategic, dual mission: advancing the new science of marine conservation biology and securing protection for marine ecosystems.  Thus, we are a unique hybrid, advocates for science and biodiversity conservation.  We base all our actions on the best, latest marine science.  We examine the leading threats to the oceans and work with the natural science, social science and policy communities to envision and implement workable solutions to conserve the sea… before it’s too late.

MCBI has built an unsurpassed record of success that other (older, larger, more famous, richer) nongovernmental organizations envy.  We shape the marine conservation agenda by:

• bringing scientists together to address the highest-impact emerging issues
• focusing global media attention on devastating fishing practices such as bottom trawling
• working in US and global political arenas to secure protection for marine ecosystems

Why Support MCBI?

MCBI is outspent and outnumbered by many major ocean players, yet has a disproportionately large impact on how people and nations treat the world’s oceans. Basing all we do on the latest marine science means we put our effort where it’s most needed. Not being too big permits streamlined priority-setting, nimble responses to rising threats and strong teamwork without the bureaucracy that often plagues large organizations. With bold vision and few impediments to action, MCBI has become a major catalyst for change in the oceans.  Grants and donations to MCBI really make a difference.

MCBI makes things happen in the oceans, where it counts
Since our birth in 1996, MCBI has made bottom trawling a global environmental issue, hosted two symposia on marine conservation biology, spurred President Clinton to issue Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas, secured the listing of the white abalone as an endangered species, published the first national assessment on the status of deep-sea corals, published the world’s first textbook on marine conservation biology, played a key role in getting President Bush to establish the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, and more. See our impressive accomplishments.

What our funders say about us

But don’t take our word for it.  A telling quantitative measure is that, when one Googles “marine conservation,” MCBI comes up first.  Our founder wrote the world’s most-cited marine conservation book and the most-cited scientific paper on bottom trawling.  Leading ocean funders say:

"MCBI occupies a unique niche - straddling the worlds of science and advocacy and doing so in a way that brings the best of contemporary conservation science to efforts to protect the global marine environment.”  Joshua Reichert, Ph.D., Director, Conservation Program, Pew Charitable Trusts

"MCBI is a great group, a long time Marisla hero and fighter for the oceans.  Thanks for all you are doing for the oceans... and the planet.”  Herbert M. Bedolfe III, Executive Director, Marisla Foundation\\

"Elliott Norse is one of the planet's most brilliant, meticulous, hard-working, passionate defenders of the marine environment. MCBI is a grantee of the Bullitt Foundation, and we are proud of having been able to support its vital mission.”  Denis Hayes, President and CEO, Bullitt Foundation

“Your leadership really made (the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument) happen.  You guys do amazing things.”  C. Wolcott Henry III, President, Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation

Your support will help MCBI to ensure that we, our children and future generations will have oceans whose wealth of life can provide food, medicines, recreation, beauty and essential ecosystem services to life on our planet.

MCBI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Donations to MCBI are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by federal and state laws governing charitable organizations.

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Donations to Save the Oceans
Marine Conservation Biology Institute
2122 112th Ave NE, Suite B-300
Bellevue, WA 98004 USA

Thank you for your contribution!