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Aug 304 min read

Nonprofits Committed to Beach Cleanups & Marine Wildlife Protection


National Beach Day on August 30th is not just a day to enjoy the beauty of our coastlines—it's a call to action. The health of our beaches and marine wildlife is vital, and these organizations are leading the charge. Here’s a closer look at ten incredible nonprofits that are hiring or seeking volunteers to help keep our beaches clean and protect marine wildlife.



 


Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation has been a powerhouse in coastal protection since 1984. With over 100 chapters across the U.S., they focus on grassroots activism to address issues like water quality, beach access, and plastic pollution.


Roles they hire for: Chapter Coordinators, Environmental Scientists, and Community Outreach Specialists. Volunteers can participate in beach cleanups, policy advocacy, and educational programs.


 


Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is known for its International Coastal Cleanup, which has mobilized millions of volunteers globally to remove trash from beaches and waterways. They also advocate for policy changes to address ocean acidification, overfishing, and marine debris.


Roles they hire for: Policy Analysts, Program Managers, and Communications Specialists. Volunteers can join local cleanup events or assist with data collection and outreach efforts.


 


MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Located in Sarasota, Florida, MOTE is a leading marine research institution dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. They focus on marine and coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, sharks, sea turtles, and manatees.


Roles they hire for: Marine Biologists, Research Technicians, and Education Coordinators. Volunteers can engage in beach cleanups, assist with animal care, or support educational programs aimed at fostering marine stewardship.




 


Heal the Bay

Based in Los Angeles, Heal the Bay has been working since 1985 to protect the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles. Their work includes beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, and public education.


Roles they hire for: Water Quality Scientists, Advocacy Managers, and Education Program Directors. Volunteers can join monthly beach cleanups, participate in advocacy campaigns, or lead educational workshops for the community.


 


The Ocean Cleanup

Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup is focused on developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. They have operations globally, including in the U.S., where they work on river systems to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean.


Roles they hire for: Research Engineers, Project Managers, and Field Technicians. Volunteers can contribute to local cleanup initiatives or support research and development projects.


 


Plastic Pollution Coalition

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a global alliance dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. They work on a wide range of initiatives, from advocacy and education to direct action and policy change.


Roles they hire for: Campaign Managers, Policy Advisors, and Communications Specialists. Volunteers can participate in cleanups, lead educational campaigns, or help advocate for policy changes at local and national levels.


 


Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Their campaigns include efforts to combat overfishing, protect marine habitats, and reduce pollution.


Roles they hire for: Campaign Directors, Marine Scientists, and Grassroots Organizers. Volunteers can support Oceana’s efforts through community outreach, policy advocacy, and public education.


 


Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd is a direct-action marine conservation organization that operates on the front lines of ocean defense. Known for their dramatic interventions against illegal whaling and overfishing, Sea Shepherd is always seeking passionate individuals to join their cause.


Roles they hire for: Ship Crew Members, Campaign Coordinators, and Media Specialists. Volunteers can join land-based campaigns or apply to serve as crew on their marine conservation vessels.


 


Save Our Shores

Save Our Shores has been protecting the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary since 1978. Their work includes organizing beach cleanups, educating the public about marine conservation, and advocating for policies to protect the ocean.


Roles they hire for: Program Managers, Volunteer Coordinators, and Environmental Educators. Volunteers can take part in beach cleanups, help with community outreach, or support their educational programs.


 

Marine Conservation Institute

Marine Conservation Institute works to secure permanent, strong protection for the oceans' most critical habitats. They focus on establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) and advancing sustainable ocean policies.


Roles they hire for: Marine Policy Analysts, Conservation Scientists, and Outreach Coordinators. Volunteers can assist with policy research, participate in advocacy efforts, or support public education initiatives.



 

Join the Cause on National Beach Day

These organizations are making significant strides in protecting our beaches and marine wildlife, but they can’t do it alone. Whether you’re looking to volunteer for a day or build a career in marine conservation, National Beach Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved. Let’s celebrate our love for the coast by making a lasting impact on the environment.


Happy National Beach Day! Let’s ensure our beaches remain pristine and our marine wildlife thrives for generations to come.

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