- Go Blue Awards -

Finalists – Blue Business / Nonprofit

Blue Business / Nonprofit Nominations

WILDCOAST - Del Mar, CA & Playa Ensenada, Mexico - 2025 Award Recipient

WILDCOAST is an international nonprofit organization that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. For over 25 years, WILDCOAST has helped to protect more than 38 million acres of globally significant coastlines, coral reefs, wetlands, mangrove forests, sea turtle nesting beaches, gray whale lagoons, and wildlands in California and Mexico, delivering lasting, science-based marine conservation at scale.

One of WILDCOAST’s most transformational contributions has been its decades-long effort to help revive the olive ridley sea turtle population in coastal Oaxaca, Mexico – home to some of the world’s most critical nesting beaches and largest sea turtle nesting events.

In the early 2000s, WILDCOAST launched a bold, culture-shifting campaign aimed at ending the common consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs. Their message was simple but powerful: “Don’t eat sea turtle eggs.” Through partnerships with celebrities such as Mexican soccer stars Jorge Campos and Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca, popular bands Mana and Los Tigres del Norte, Argentinean model Dorismar, and legendary wrestler El Hijo del Santo, WILDCOAST spread this message widely across Mexico, reaching millions and helping to dramatically shift public opinion and behavior.

The result has been extraordinary.

Since launching that campaign, more than 164 million sea turtle hatchlings (primarily olive ridleys) have hatched on the beaches of Morro Ayuta and Barra de la Cruz in Oaxaca– sanctuaries where WILDCOAST continues to work closely with local communities to monitor, protect, and steward the beaches. And in 2024, WILDCOAST partnered with the Mexican National Protected Area Service (CONANP in Mexico) to officially establish these beaches as national protected areas and sanctuaries, citing a huge win for the species and turtle conservation efforts.

The sea turtle conservation program, led by WILDCOAST team members native to the region, also includes educational outreach efforts aimed at continuing to shift cultural attitudes around sea turtle consumption.

WILDCOAST’s team produced the first Sea Turtle Conservation Guide for the Oaxaca coastline, and they have distributed educational materials in Chontal and Zapotec, the region’s indigenous languages, that have reached hundreds of local school children – children, who are an integral part of shifting cultural norms toward a more sustainable future.

Building on the success of their efforts to protect olive ridleys, WILDCOAST is now expanding their focus to the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle, whose population has decreased by 90%, and it is estimated that only 400 individuals are left. WILDCOAST has been approved to manage and protect a key leatherback nesting beach in Oaxaca that plays a vital role in the species’ survival with approximately 85 leatherback nests recorded annually, extending their protected coastline from 22 to 50 miles. Launching in fall of 2025, WILDCOAST hopes to replicate their proven impact and success of the olive ridley.

Beyond sea turtles, WILDCOAST’s work benefits a wide range of marine life and ecosystems.

In California and Mexico, they restore critical blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands – natural habitats that sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and buffer coastlines from storms. In recognition of this climate-focused work, WILDCOAST received the Keeling Curve Prize in 2019, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the emerging field of blue carbon restoration. In Baja California, WILDCOAST partners with women’s groups like Las Guardianas del Conchalito and Las Mujeres Unidas de El Dátil to protect and restore the mangroves their communities depend on for storm protection, healthy fisheries, and livelihoods. This locally led approach creates sustainable economic opportunities while fostering long-term stewardship of vital coastal ecosystems.

Also in Baja California, WILDCOAST helps manage and protect gray whale breeding lagoons, balancing ecological conservation with community-based eco-tourism and sustainable development. Once threatened by a proposed Mitsubishi Salt Plant that would poison this critical gray whale habitat, San Ignacio Lagoon now has 483 miles of protected shorelines thanks to WILDCOAST’s efforts to stop the development and conserve this incredible sanctuary.

At the US-Mexico border, WILDCOAST’s marine debris program has stopped more than 300,000 pounds of solid waste, such as plastic and tires, from entering the Pacific Ocean through two strategically placed trash booms and 68 community collection points. Once the debris has been collected, WILDCOAST hires locals to sort, upcycle, and recycle, creating blue jobs within the community. This effort has greatly enhanced the health of these coastal waters, which are critical migratory corridors for whales, turtles, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and other marine wildlife that typically suffer from the effects of plastic pollution. These efforts haven't just benefitted ocean health, either – it’s also engaged and improved the human health of the adjacent communities and created jobs for local residents.

WILDCOAST’s organizational culture is rooted in equity, collaboration, and action. With a binational team where more than half of the team is of Mexican or Latin American heritage, WILDCOAST ensures conservation is led by the communities most connected to these ecosystems. Employees are regularly engaged in fieldwork, from mangrove planting and turtle monitoring to organizing cleanups and public education events. In the spring of 2025 alone, WILDCOAST engaged and led four volunteer restoration and planting events in San Diego.

By combining conservation efforts with community engagement, education, and economic development, WILDCOAST helps ensure the protection of marine environments while improving local well-being. Their transformative approach nurtures both nature and people, fostering cultural change, habitat recovery, and a better future for threatened species.

ANGARI Foundation - West Palm Beach, FL

ANGARI Foundation is a nonprofit in Palm Beach County that uses research and education to positively impact marine conservation. ANGARI provides a research and education platform aboard its research vessel, R/V ANGARI, which is offered to scientists, educators, and filmmakers at minimal costs. As part of its mission, ANGARI aims to create a global community that is knowledgeable, interested, and invested in marine and environmental sciences by directly supporting research initiatives that foster greater trust and dialogue between scientists and the public.

Through innovative technology, film, and other media, ANGARI increases community engagement, raises awareness of marine conservation, and offers enriching opportunities within the local community that contribute to marine science education.

Photo-2_-Angela-Rosenberg-sitting-on-stern-of-R_V-ANGARI

• In 2025, ANGARI expanded its citizen science study, The Lake Worth Lagoon Drift Card Study (Lagoon Drift). The study includes the coordinated release of small, eco-friendly wooden drift cards to study the motion of water and pollutants in waterways in and around the Lake Worth Lagoon region. Since its initiation in 2017, ANGARI Foundation has executed 13 experimental releases of drift cards, engaging more than 4,391 citizen scientists of all ages. This education spreads to the classroom, where thousands of individuals learn about marine debris and oceanography through school visits, invited talks, and outreach events. This expansion positively impacts the study’s reach, increasing awareness about the impact of trash on our local environments.

• In partnership with Florida International University (FIU), ANGARI Foundation created the Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks (COE: Sharks) program. The program features classroom visits and full-day, at-sea expeditions aboard the Foundation’s 65-foot research vessel, R/V ANGARI, for educators and youth ages 12 to 18. Participants work alongside FIU scientists to fish for, tag, and collect valuable data in support of shark research and conservation efforts. Data from these tags tells scientists where these sharks spend their time and for how long. The tags will also help scientists gain a deeper understanding of how bull sharks use artificial reefs (such as shipwrecks), and if their migration patterns are shifting because of climate change.

• In an effort to close the gender gap in STEM careers, ANGARI Foundation has partnered with the University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science for its Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls (OCG). The OCG is a three-week ocean science exploration program for ninth-grade girls in Pinellas County and aims to inspire young women entering high school to pursue careers in science. As part of the camp, ANGARI hosts participants aboard the R/V ANGARI for three days of hands-on oceanography training.

• To expand public awareness and share conservation-focused information, ANGARI Foundation co-hosts Ocean Expert Exchange webinars with the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Scientist in Every Florida School initiative. These 30-minute events feature marine science and technology experts, with a presentation followed by a live Q&A. The webinars are streamed via Zoom and YouTube Live, and are available for those who want to explore further.

ANGARI’s company culture is rooted in its passion for the ocean and marine life, with team members excited to motivate and share this enthusiasm with others. As a small team, everyone works together. They often wear different hats, while recognizing and celebrating one another’s success. The team is anchored by its four pillars: commitment, communication, community, and celebration. This collaborative company culture is integrated within ANGARI’s workshops and programs. With an all-hands-on-deck approach, the Foundation engages its employees, each participating in conservation-based experiences and programs that are beneficial to the community.

A big part of ANGARI’s culture is its commitment to education and utilizing its relationships with marine scientists and educators. With nearly 500 members in the Foundation’s global educator community, ANGARI’s educational programs are broad-ranging. The Foundation’s 360 virtual reality films on coral reefs and sharks bring the ocean and its inhabitants to you wherever you may be, and the Ocean Expert Exchange live webinar series, in collaboration with the University of Florida’s Scientist in Every Florida School program, connect expert scientists with classrooms and the public around the world.

ANGARI supports and encourages its employees to actively volunteer in marine conservation-related activities. Employees regularly participate in the Foundation’s programs, including Lagoon Drift, Ocean Expert Exchange, USF’s Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls, and COE: Sharks, which all contribute to marine conservation.

In addition, ANGARI’s employees regularly participate in other organizations’ programs that they meet through their own work. For example, staff members have participated in beach cleanups hosted by community partners like Surface 71 and Friends of Palm Beach, and volunteered for sea turtle nest monitoring with MacArthur Beach State Park. The ANGARI team often accepts requests to present at local seminars and to sit on panels for other organizations within our South Florida community.

Not only are employees encouraged to volunteer by regularly sharing opportunities available in our community, the Foundation leads by example by volunteering its time and services in the local community and beyond. ANGARI president and R/V ANGARI Captain Angela Rosenberg annually participates in Marine Industry Day, where she shares her work, experiences, and knowledge about ocean science and vessel operations with local school students. Rosenberg also returns to her own high school every year to share the work the Foundation is doing with upcoming juniors and seniors. ANGARI’s leadership and board of directors continue to promote STEM careers and education, including speaking engagements at the University of Illinois, the University of Miami, Hamilton College, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

ANGARI Foundation’s work is rooted in marine life and marine conservation.

The COE: Sharks program conducts research that is crucial for shark conservation. Measurements and samples collected from the sharks are important to understanding local shark populations. The acoustic tags used in the program emit signals that are detected underwater, allowing researchers to understand shark behavior, migration patterns, and habitat use. This helps scientists better understand their ecological roles, population status, and the threats they face. The information collected informs effective conservation strategies and management practices. Like sea turtles, sharks are a keystone species, and their presence provides important insight into the overall health of the ocean.

ANGARI supports its mission by partnering with universities, expert scientists, agencies, and other nonprofits to develop standards-driven and hands-on lessons that incorporate scientific methodology. Most of ANGARI educational lessons take place in schools, while its STEM-focused expeditions include the USF’s Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls and the Foundation’s COE: Sharks program.

Every summer, the Foundation offers a free, immersive marine science education workshop to educators in Palm Beach County. The four-day workshop engages educators who work with local youth in hands-on STEM education focused on current marine research and conservation efforts in the Lake Worth Lagoon and surrounding Palm Beach County waters. In the past two years, the Foundation has partnered with Manatee Lagoon, Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management and, this year, Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park.

As of August 2025, the Foundation welcomed more than 590 scientists, 228 educators, and 758 students on 105 expeditions aboard the R/V ANGARI. Research conducted aboard R/V ANGARI has included coral reef surveys; studies on stony coral tissue loss disease; sea turtle nesting and disease; shark and plankton research; coral nursery and restoration efforts; ocean acidification; water sampling; and environmental impact assessments.

Through the Foundation’s Generation Ocean 360 film series, viewers can learn about the marine environment from the comfort of home or a classroom. The series uses 360-degree videos and virtual reality to take people aboard the R/V ANGARI, allowing them to virtually join scientists on a research expedition. Produced with education, engagement, and entertainment in mind, the Foundation has also developed and curated accompanying educational activities and content.

Locally in Palm Beach County, ANGARI has supported research and conservation efforts focused on sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and mangroves.

EarthEco International - Washington D.C.

Founded in 2005 by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., EarthEcho International is carrying forward a legacy of ocean exploration and protection. Their mission is to build a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, grounded in the belief that lasting change depends on the energy, innovation, and leadership of young people.

At the heart of this mission is EarthEcho’s Youth Ambassador programming, which includes the Youth Leadership Council, International Ambassador Programs, and the GenSea movement. These initiatives provide young leaders, ages 13–25, with mentorship, professional skill-building, and global networking opportunities.

Ambassadors connect with peers from more than 100 countries, collaborate on campaigns, and gain access to exclusive training in advocacy, entrepreneurship, and communications. Importantly, these programs prepare young people to lead community-based projects and influence decision-makers on issues critical to the ocean and climate.

The impact of this model is significant. EarthEcho has engaged more than 2 million people in 146 countries, with youth ambassadors leading restoration projects, organizing cleanups, educating their peers, and championing policies that protect marine ecosystems. Through these efforts, EarthEcho has created a powerful ripple effect: young advocates are not only building their own futures, but also shaping a healthier, more resilient future for the planet.

EarthEcho’s Ambassador Programs stand out as a bold, innovative approach to ocean conservation—one that ensures today’s youth are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to drive change at the scale and speed required.

Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and Informa - Palm Beach County and Jupiter, FL

To give back to the local community, The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and Informa collaboratively created the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program. This initiative supports a future that enriches local residents and protects our oceans and waterways for generations to come. Funded by the proceeds from the annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS), the program helps local nonprofit organizations underwrite their own environmental and marine education programs.

Since its inception in 2023, the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program has awarded 54 grants to local nonprofit organizations, with a commitment to grant $500,000 per year. The program has produced an even larger positive impact than originally projected. In just two years, more than 200,000 people have been supported by a program funded by the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program.

The launch of Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back was a significant accomplishment because new grant programs are rarely introduced into the community. What further sets this program apart is its sole dedication to supporting local marine-related projects and programs. In 2025, the Florida Fishing Academy used its 2025 grant to teach students about fishing and marine life through field trips on the Thea Marie, a 49-passenger, accessible vessel docked at the Riviera Beach Marina. Ballet Palm Beach choreographed and produced an original ballet about saving and protecting sea turtles inspired by the children’s book, I’ll Follow the Moon. In summer 2024, a grant provided Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) with funding for 10 scholarships for children to attend its Junior Marine Biologist summer camp. These scholarships gave children from historically under-resourced communities in northern Palm Beach County the opportunity to become backyard naturalists, explorers, and environmental advocates.

At the MIAPBC, giving back is a cornerstone of the corporate culture expressed through generosity, creativity, and teamwork. This philosophy guides the organization’s operations and is evident in its ongoing support for local initiatives that advance marine conservation and education. The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program extends this commitment by channeling both financial resources and personal dedication into uplifting the community. Proceeds from the Palm Beach International Boat Show – one of the region’s largest and most economically significant events – are granted through the program to provide meaningful support for marine life and conservation efforts.

Volunteerism is woven into the fabric of the MIAPBC’s work. Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back supports thousands of hours of volunteerism in the marine industry sector by supporting programs that impact youth, education, and marine conservation. The board actively encourages the MIAPBC leadership and team members to regularly volunteer in the community.

Alyssa Freeman, executive director of MIAPBC, and Paola Pineros, marketing and membership director of MIAPBC, volunteer annually with many organizations that the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program supports. Freeman and Pineros have assisted with setting up surf sessions with Wahine Warriors Inc., participated in sea turtle releases with Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, and tagged sharks with ANGARI Foundation. They also volunteer most of their time educating students about career opportunities in the marine industry with Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast.

Freeman has pursued her career with a strong volunteer commitment to marine exploration and conservation. Recently, she participated as a session presenter in the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s “Girl Scouts at Sea” program, where she taught girls how to secure lines to boat and dock cleats. As incoming chair for CareerSource PBC, Freeman has helped plan, execute, and moderate a session during a Careers in the Marine Industry Day event. She currently serves on the career advisory board for Inlet Grove Community High School and the marine advisory board for Palm Beach State College, and previously served on the board of the Florida Fishing Academy.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back supports marine life and conservation in Palm Beach County by funding nonprofits that protect marine life, educate future conservation leaders, and promote environmental stewardship. Grants have been awarded to more than 50 organizations throughout Palm Beach County.

To support marine life and conservation, the program:
• Directs funding to nonprofits that safeguard coastal ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and water quality.
• Underwrites educational programs that inspire young people to become conservation leaders and marine industry professionals.
• Supports waterfront and marine-related projects that enhance environmental sustainability in the community.

Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant recipients include:
• Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation
• ANGARI Foundation
• Ballet Palm Beach
• CareerSource Palm Beach County
• Center for Creative Education
• Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, Inc.
• Cox Science Center and Aquarium
• Delray Beach Public Library
• Florida Atlantic University Foundation
• Florida Fishing Academy
• Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park
• Friends of Manatee Lagoon
• Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida
• Inlet Grove Community High School
• Inwater Research Group Inc.
• Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast
• LagoonKeepers
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center
• Pace Center for Girls
• Palm Beach State College Foundation
• Partnership for Environmental Education
• Sandoway Discovery Center
• Sea Turtle Adventures
• Shifting Gears United, Inc.
• Talented Teen Club
• The Coastal Stewards
• The Reef Institute
• Thresher Aquatics, Inc.
• Wahine Warriors Inc.

By The Sea Lecture Series

Guided Tours

Education

Adopt A Sea Turtle

Make A Donation

Events

Educator Resources

Unwrap The Waves

Join Us

Support Committees

Join Our Team

Finalists – Blue Business / Nonprofit

Blue Business / Nonprofit Nominations

Read More

Read More

Read More

Read More