Make an essential contribution to marine research while enjoying your boat or yacht at sea.
These projects give vessel owners the opportunity to contribute independently to marine research initiatives. Unlike Scientist-Led Expeditions, citizen science projects do not require experts on board. Instead, vessel owners, their guests, and crews can conduct important research activities themselves, with the results contributing directly to expanding our knowledge of marine ecosystems.
Opportunities include instrument deployments, sample collections, and wildlife observations. Vessels of any size are welcome, and owners can apply for tax benefits and choose to receive recognition through SeaKeepers events, newsletters, and our website.
These expeditions provide a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to ongoing scientific studies while enjoying their boat or yacht and the beauty of the ocean. Through this program, hundreds of vessels have participated in science activities around the world, collecting valuable data that aids in ocean conservation efforts.
Explore SeaKeepers' past citizen science activities and discover the impactful programs we've completed. Navigate through the highlights below to learn about the partners and vessels that have been part of these initiatives.mpleted. Navigate through the highlights below to learn about the partners and vessels that have been part of these initiatives.
Citizen science has a long tradition in many fields, from astronomy to zoology, and marine conservation is no different. Multiple SeaKeepers projects connect the international yachting community with scientific initiatives that rely on contributions from the public. Explore the opportunities below.
Become part of a global community dedicated to protecting our oceans.
Researchers and vessel owners can apply to our citizen science projects using the links below.
SeaKeepers is a global registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. Our initiatives rely on the energy and generosity of people around the world who share our concern for the health of the oceans and, by extension, the survival of our planet.
Our core initiative is the DISCOVERY Program, which facilitates marine research and ocean education through partnerships with the boating and academic communities. We coordinate scientific and educational expeditions through the generosity of vessel owners willing to contribute their time and expertise.
You can add your vessel to our DISCOVERY vessel fleet by filling out this form.
Citizen Science refers to scientific research conducted by amateur or nonprofessional scientists. SeaKeepers engages yacht owners and their crews to collect environmental data during their voyages, contributing to research and conservation efforts.
Yes, SeaKeepers offers several Citizen Science opportunities, allowing yacht owners and crew to collect data for oceanographic research while they’re at sea.
The DISCOVERY Program accepts vessels of all sizes. Fill out this form to begin the process and see which expeditions match your vessel and your interests.
Our team will work with you to find DISCOVERY Program activities that match your interests and your vessel’s capabilities and itinerary.
SeaKeepers is a trusted node of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development through the Seabed 2030 Program. As a trusted node, SeaKeepers is recognized as a key partner that contributes data, expertise, and collaboration to this global effort. Our involvement is designated as an official UN Decade Action Project focused on creating an open-access map of the entire ocean floor for use by scientists, researchers, and chart users worldwide. SeaKeepers also participates as a member of the International Hydrographic Organization Crowd Sourced Bathymetry Working Group, advancing global ocean mapping.
