Ocean Wise Programs

Our vision is a world in which oceans are healthy and flourishing.

Our mission is to inspire the global community to become Ocean Wise by increasing its understanding, wonder, and appreciation for our oceans through our many research and conservation programs. Learn more below!

Marine Mammal Rescue Centre

Ocean Wise’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre assists injured and distressed marine mammals from the length of the British Columbia coastline. Although harbour seal pups are the most commonly admitted patients, harbour porpoises, sea lions, and elephant seals have all been helped. Along with DFO and numerous other organizations, MMR was one of the key team members in the successful relocation of killer whale A73 (Springer) in 2002.

The Coastal Ocean Research Institute

The Coastal Ocean Research Institute systematically collects, analyzes, and publically communicates data describing the health of coastal ecosystems in British Columbia. Their Marine Mammal Research Program has a long tradition of research on cetaceans, including the world’s longest continuous study of killer whales.

The Ocean Pollution Research Program

The Ocean Pollution Research Program is an internationally-recognized research initiative that conducts scientific research on ocean pollution. Understanding the nature and extent of urban and industrial effluents, agricultural and forestry runoff, plastics, and debris provides a basis for policies and practices to protect ocean health for future generations.

Aquadopt

When you symbolically adopt an animal by purchasing an Aquadopt kit, you are giving a unique gift that supports the conservation of aquatic life. Symbolic adoption helps us care for the animals at the Vancouver Aquarium, and helps to fund our many conservation, research, and education programs.

Killer whale adoption packages make fabulous gifts for anyone concerned about killer whales and their fragile habitat. The Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program directly funds conservation-oriented research.

Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood

The Ocean Wise symbol next to a menu or seafood item is our assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice. With over thousands of Ocean Wise partner locations across Canada, the Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood Program makes it easy for consumers to make sustainable seafood choices that ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come.

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is a conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF. It is about removing shoreline litter to help create healthy waters for everyone, including the wildlife and communities that depend on them. The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is designed to raise awareness and change attitudes about shoreline litter. By changing attitudes about litter, these aquatic habitats will be protected and preserved from future litter-related damage. Since 1994, over 1 million kg of shoreline litter has been removed from sensitive aquatic habitats across Canada.