Who is OCEARCH

OCEARCH is powered by a dedicated team of experts across science, education, media, and operations—working together in real time to drive a professional, mission-focused organization that delivers impact both on the ocean and around the world.

WATCH: Who Is OCEARCH

PROTECT OUR SHARKS.
PROTECT OUR OCEANS.

OCEARCH is a global non-profit organization conducting unprecedented research on our oceans’ giants in order to help scientists collect previously unattainable data in the ocean. Our mission is to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance and abundance through fearless innovations in critical scientific research, education, outreach, and policy using unique collaborations of individuals and organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

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48

Global Expeditions

475

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Animals Tagged

OCEARCH Timeline

Explore the milestones that have shaped OCEARCH’s journey to return our oceans to balance and abundance.

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2025
Expansion OCEARCH secures $26M in funding from city & state for infrastructure, moving forward with its new Global Headquarters in Florida.
Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)
2022
Rescue Permits Secured First Rescue (Spotted Eagle Ray) with help from our OCEARCH Chief Scientist & Veterinarian, Dr. Harley Newton.
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2020
Breakthrough Research OCEARCH completes a baseline study of Western North Atlantic white shark populations, solving a major piece of shark conservation science.
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2016
STEM Curriculum Launched 80+ Lesson Plans Education Focus: OCEARCH launches a STEM curriculum to engage young minds with ocean science, with 80+ lesson plans currently in use.
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2012
First Paper Published: 100+ Published to Date Scientific Contributions OCEARCH publishes its first scientific paper, with 100 published papers to date, advancing shark research and marine science.
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2012
Shark Tracker Launched (Mary Lee, 1.7M Downloads) Public Engagement: The launch of the Global Shark Tracker App lets the public track sharks like the famous Mary Lee, helping 2M active users connect with real-time ocean science.
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2011
OCEARCH Becomes 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Official Recognition OCEARCH becomes a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit, focusing on ocean science, conservation, and education.
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2007
First Shark Tagged (Garmin) 475+ Sharks Studied to Date First Shark Tagged: OCEARCH successfully tags its first shark with Garmin, and to date, over 475+ sharks have been tagged and studied across the globe.
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2007
First M/V OCEARCH Expedition Now Nearly 50 Completed Globally Global Research: OCEARCH embarks on its first major research expedition, completing 48 expeditions worldwide as of 2025, studying sharks and marine ecosystems.
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2001
Brand Partners Onboard (Costa, YETI, 20+ Years) Strategic Partnerships OCEARCH forms long-term collaborations with leading brands like Costa Sunglasses and YETI Coolers, enhancing its research and conservation efforts.
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1999
The Foundation Of Collaborative Fish Tagging Begins OCEARCH’s journey begins by bringing practical, fearless watermen together with expert academic scientists to collaboratively tag fish—laying the groundwork for future shark research.

Track Sharks On the Go

Download the free OCEARCH App to receive real-time shark pings, species facts, and updates from the field.
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Wear the Mission

100% of OCEARCH gear proceeds fund research and education. Every purchase makes an impact. Shop shark inspired gear!
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In The News

From National Geographic to The New York Times, our sharks are making headlines and changing perceptions. #FactsOverFear
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Make a Difference for our Sharks

Support from donors like you powers the critical work of returning the ocean to balance and abundance. Your gift helps advance open-source science, protect keystone species like white sharks, and drive solutions to our ocean’s most urgent challenges. Be part of the mission—make a lasting impact for the future of our oceans. We can’t do it without you.

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