Protecting Our Oceans
Protect Our Oceans Together
Ocean Guard is a Global Nonprofit Uniting People, Science, and Industry to Protect and Restore our Oceans. ONE Ocean. ONE Mission.
A New Chapter Begins
What began as a local commitment to protect our coastlines, waterways, marine ecosystems and wildlife has grown into something much bigger.
Transitioning Ocean Guard from a local conservation organization into a global network will be the biggest undertaking in our history.
It will require the support of our staff, volunteers, partners, universities, scientists, researchers, businesses and communities around the world.
But the challenges facing our oceans do not stop at state lines—or international borders. Neither can we.
The next chapter began in Stockholm
August 13, 2026 — Stockholm, Sweden
On August 13, 2026, Ocean Guard officially began its Local to Global relaunch in Stockholm, Sweden.
Scandinavia has built an international reputation for environmental responsibility, marine research, sustainability and innovation. Sweden became the starting point for our European expansion, followed by Norway, Finland and Denmark.
We established a presence in Stockholm and planted Ocean Guard's first international flag. But Scandinavia was only the beginning.
Over the next four years, Ocean Guard plans to build a connected international network bringing together conservation, science, volunteers, universities, communities and responsible industry.
One ocean. Many countries. One shared responsibility.
The Road Ahead
2010–2026
Our Roots — Florida
Build experience. Mobilize volunteers. Protect coastlines and waterways. Develop programs. Learn what works. Florida is where the journey began—and will always remain part of Ocean Guard's foundation.
August 13, 2026
Local → Global
Stockholm, Sweden. The beginning of Ocean Guard's next chapter. Our Stockholm relaunch marks the transition from a primarily local organization into an international conservation network.
2026
Scandinavia
Sweden • Finland • Norway • Denmark. Build Ocean Guard's first international network through local leadership, volunteers, universities, scientific collaboration, conservation programs and partnerships.
2026–2027
Australia & New Zealand
Take the Ocean Guard model across the world to another region defined by its relationship with the ocean. Develop partnerships focused on marine ecosystems, reef conservation, research, education and community participation.
2027
Northern Europe
Expand beyond Scandinavia and demonstrate that Ocean Guard's regional network model can operate across countries, cultures and marine environments. Build relationships with conservation organizations, universities, ports, maritime companies and scientific institutions.
2027–2028
Asia-Pacific
Connect Ocean Guard with some of the world's most important coastal communities, marine ecosystems and maritime centers. Bring conservation, science and responsible industry to the same table.
2028–2030
One Global Network
Expand strategically into additional regions around the world. Not simply putting Ocean Guard's name on a map—but building real, locally driven programs capable of creating measurable impact.
We Can't Do This Alone
Going global isn't about becoming a bigger organization. It's about creating a bigger impact.
Every new country requires people. Every research program requires scientists. Every restoration project requires expertise. Every local initiative requires volunteers. And every expansion requires partners who believe that protecting our oceans is a responsibility we all share.
Volunteers • Scientists • Universities • Researchers • Conservation Organizations • Corporate Partners • Sponsors • Donors • Maritime Leaders • Local Communities
Whether you're in Florida, Stockholm, Sydney—or somewhere Ocean Guard hasn't reached yet—we want to hear from you.
Help us take Ocean Guard from Local to Global.
ONE Ocean. ONE Network. ONE Mission.
ONE Ocean.
ONE Mission.
On August 13, Ocean Guard begins a new chapter.
Introducing the NEW Ocean Guard Collection.
Rash guards. Tees. Tanks. Long sleeves. Hoodies.
Designed for people who believe protecting our oceans isn't just a cause. It's a responsibility we all share.
Every purchase helps support Ocean Guard's conservation programs, research, cleanups, education, and growing global network.
Wear the Mission. Support the Ocean.
Voices from Our Community
The Impact You Make Possible
From Florida coastlines to the Baltic Sea, hear from the volunteers, donors, and partners who make Ocean Guard's mission a reality.
Ocean Guard changed how I see the water. After one beach cleanup with their team, I became a monthly donor. The dedication these people bring to every event is unlike anything I've seen in conservation.
Maria Santos
Monthly Donor & Volunteer
Boca Raton, FL
We partnered with Ocean Guard for our company's sustainability initiative and the experience was transformative. Their reef restoration program gave our employees a hands-on connection to the ocean that no boardroom presentation ever could.
David Chen
Director of Corporate Sustainability
Fort Lauderdale, FL
As a marine biology student, volunteering with Ocean Guard has been the most valuable field experience of my degree. The water quality monitoring work they do along the Florida coast is genuinely rigorous science.
Priya Nair
Marine Biology Student, University of Miami
Miami, FL
I brought my kids to the sea turtle nesting patrol and it became the trip they talk about most. Ocean Guard's educators have a gift for making conservation feel urgent and hopeful at the same time.
James Whitfield
Parent & Community Supporter
Parkland, FL
The Stockholm chapter has brought Ocean Guard's mission to the Baltic in a way that resonates deeply with our community. Their global reach combined with genuine local commitment is rare in the nonprofit world.
Astrid Lindqvist
Environmental Advocate
Stockholm, Sweden
Ocean Guard's photography contest gave our dive club a reason to document what we see underwater and share it with the world. The awareness it creates for reef health is exactly what this region needs.
Carlos Mendez
Dive Club President
Key Largo, FL
Now Open | Submit by August 8, 2026
Ocean Guard International Ocean Photography Awards
"One Ocean. One Mission." · Winners announced August 13 in Stockholm, Sweden
Our Mission
Dedicated to Ocean Conservation
Ocean Guard brings people together to understand, protect, and restore the natural systems that connect us all.
A Global Network
We Want to Be a Global Connector
No single organization can protect our oceans alone.
One Ocean. One Network. One Mission.
Global Network Director
Kai Andersen
As Ocean Guard's Global Network Director, Kai Andersen is dedicated to bringing together the people and organizations making a difference around the world.
Now Open | Submit by August 8, 2026
Ocean Guard International
Ocean Photography Awards
"One Ocean. One Mission."
Can one photograph change the way the world sees our oceans?
We're searching for extraordinary underwater images that capture marine wildlife, the people who protect it, and the beauty worth preserving.
Competition Theme
"Together Beneath the Surface"
Each photograph must demonstrate the connection between humans and the underwater world.
Every Entry Must Include:
- ✓An underwater environment
- ✓Marine wildlife
- ✓A person underwater (diver, freediver, marine researcher, etc.)
- ✓Respectful interaction, no disturbing wildlife
Judging Criteria
Total: 100 Points
Awards
Gold Award
Overall Winner
Silver Award
Runner-Up
Bronze Award
Third Place
Special Category Awards
Prize Package
- ★Ocean Guard Crystal Trophy
- ★Featured on OceanGuard.org
- ★Featured in Ocean Guard Magazine
- ★Cover of the Ocean Guard 2027 Calendar
- ★Interview with Ocean Guard
- ★VIP Invitation to next year's awards
- ★Ocean Guard merchandise package
As sponsors come on board: dive trips, camera equipment, liveaboard expeditions, and travel vouchers.
Timeline
July 20
Competition Opens
August 8
Submission Deadline
August 9–12
Judging
August 13
Winners Announced | Stockholm, Sweden
Inaugural 2026 Competition
Ocean Guard Photographer of the Year
The highest honor presented by Ocean Guard.
Submit your entry to [email protected] by August 8, 2026.
Submit Your Entry →Every image has the power to inspire conservation. One Ocean. One Mission.
Support Our Ocean Conservation Efforts
Your donations help us protect and restore ocean and wetland ecosystems.
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Get In Touch
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Address
9425 Old Club Road, Parkland, Florida 33076
Phone
(954) 804-5072Hours
Mon–Fri: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat–Sun: Closed
Drop Us a Line!
Get in Touch
We'd Love to Hear From You
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or simply learn more about our work, reach out and our team will respond within 1–2 business days.
Headquarters
9425 Old Club Road, Parkland FL 33076
Scandinavia Office
Stockholm, Sweden · [email protected]
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