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OUR MISSION

WOC’s mission is to ensure a healthy, productive ocean through “Corporate Ocean Responsibility” — a proactive approach to sustainable and responsible ocean use by
the private sector.

ABOUT US

The World Ocean Council (WOC) empowers the Ocean Business Community to lead in ocean stewardship. By uniting diverse industries, we create a powerful platform for collaboration on sustainable development, science, and ocean governance.

OUR STORY

Founded in 2010, WOC emerged from a growing recognition that sustainable ocean solutions require coordinated industry action. Since then, WOC has grown into the only international, multi-sector alliance focused solely on corporate responsibility in the ocean economy.

OUR MISSION

WOC’s mission is to ensure a healthy, productive ocean through “Corporate Ocean Responsibility” — a proactive approach to sustainable and responsible ocean use by
the private sector.

ABOUT US

The World Ocean Council (WOC) empowers the Ocean Business Community to lead in ocean stewardship. By uniting diverse industries, we create a powerful platform for collaboration on sustainable development, science, and ocean governance.

OUR STORY

Founded in 2010, WOC emerged from a growing recognition that sustainable ocean solutions require coordinated industry action. Since then, WOC has grown into the only international, multi-sector alliance focused solely on corporate responsibility in the ocean economy.

OUR IMPACT

Through strategic initiatives and industry partnerships, WOC has influenced ocean policy, pioneered sustainable practices, and created a network of 35,000 stakeholders worldwide. Together, we are shaping the future of a sustainable blue economy.

OUR GOALS

The World Ocean Council (WOC) is focused on four newly refined goals as an organisation to support our members — and the broader resilient ocean ecosystem — including corporations, investors, small businesses, and innovative blue start-ups.

Goal 1:
Taking Action for the Ocean
[Programmes]

Provide global leadership in the advancement of ocean-related corporate innovation, action, and impact through refined thematic, geographic, and sector-representative programme portfolios

Through these programmes, we link industries, businesses, and start-ups with the science, data, and governance necessary for healthy and thriving ocean, lake, and riverine ecosystems — and their surrounding communities.

Goal 2:
Uniting our Voice for Ocean Sustainability and Resilience
[Storytelling and Events]

Harness the power of storytelling, diverse communication channels, and one-of-a-kind events to deliver a spectrum of information, data, science, and business best practices to our members and the wider global ocean community.

We deliver messaging that promotes global corporate and business engagement, responsible resource and ecosystem management, and access to blue funding and financing.

Goal 3:
Creating a Collaborative, Diverse Ocean Community
[Membership]

Serve as the preeminent, ocean-focused membership hub for corporate, business, and start-ups — Uniting a global network across sectors, industries, themes, and geographies.

Our members promote action and innovation across ocean, lake, and riverine arenas — connecting and delivering critical science, research, financing, and policy measures dedicated to holistic corporate support for ocean and coastal community well-being.

Goal 4:
Investing in the Ocean
[Funding and Financing]

 

Facilitate the connection and advancement of the latest ocean and blue funding and financing tools, products, and institutions through our programmes, projects, and events — expanding both the role and urgency of diverse investment in ocean health.

We support members and non-members alike, while broadening the reach and impact of the wider investment arena for the benefit of corporate, business, and start-up growth. Our goal is to link actors across our network to advance corporate ocean responsibility using the latest investment vehicles.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The WOC Board of Directors brings together industry leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable ocean stewardship.
Their strategic guidance ensures WOC remains a driving force in the blue economy.

(Chair), CEO, Manna Fish Farms, Inc.

(Treasurer), Chairman & Managing Partner,
AGAWA Partners

(Secretary), recently retired after a lifetime in the maritime sector.

Partner, BHM Penlaw

Co-owner, LouisbourgSeafoods

Executive Director, Tian San Shipping (Pte) Ltd.

Lead for Environment
in UK/Europe, BMT Ltd.

Environmental Scientist

Managing Director,
IHC Mining

Executive Vice President
and COO, AltaSea

Managing Director/CEO (a.i.)

THE SECRETARIAT

The WOC Secretariat is the operational core of our organization, turning vision into action. This team of experts delivers programs and builds partnerships to support sustainable ocean initiatives.

Managing Director/CEO (a.i.)

Director of Operations

Director of Programmes

Director of External Affairs

PROGRAMME ASSOCIATES

Ocean Carbon Removal Advisor

Programme Officer,
SMART Ocean SMART Industries

© 2025 World Ocean Council All Rights Reserved

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