What We Do
Our Programs & Events
From monthly beach cleanups to signature annual galas, Ocean Guard runs programs that protect our oceans, engage our community, and build lasting partnerships.
12+
Events per year
150+
Volunteers per cleanup
30+
Water quality monitoring sites
2010
Founded on Earth Day
Our Approach
Science-Led. Community-Driven.
Ocean Guard operates across seven core conservation areas and a full calendar of community events. Our work is guided by data, powered by volunteers, and strengthened through partnerships with universities, research institutions, and conservation organizations around the world.
Core Conservation Programs
Seven Flagship Programs
Signature Annual Events
Signature Annual Events
Seven flagship events define Ocean Guard's public identity — protecting oceans, advancing research, educating the public, celebrating art, and building lasting community partnerships.
World Oceans Day Festival
Ocean Guard's biggest annual event. Includes a beach cleanup, paddle event, scuba cleanup, marine science demonstrations, corporate sponsors, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony. World Oceans Day is widely recognized and makes this our most visible community moment of the year.
Ocean Guard Marine Sustainability Conference
Our long-term flagship event — the marine industry's equivalent of a sustainability summit. Inviting cruise lines, cargo operators, ports, shipyards, offshore companies, environmental firms, universities, and government agencies. Conference tracks will cover marine pollution, port water quality, wetland restoration, AI and ocean monitoring, sustainable shipping, and Ocean Guard Certification standards.
Mangrove Restoration & Paddle Cleanup
A hands-on conservation day combining mangrove planting, kayak cleanup, water testing, and educational talks. One of our most beloved community events — accessible to families, experienced paddlers, and first-time volunteers alike.
Ocean Guard Awards Gala
A formal evening recognizing volunteers, companies, scientists, educators, and community leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to ocean conservation. Eventually becomes the venue where we present Ocean Guard Certified, Gold Ocean Guard, and Platinum Ocean Guard awards.
Annual — Art • Science • ConservationOcean Guard Blue Planet Art Gala
An immersive evening where art, science, and conservation converge. Guests move through four curated galleries — from the pure beauty of ocean life to the science behind Ocean Guard's work — accompanied by live music, interactive science stations, and a live painting auction. The evening culminates in the unveiling and auction of an original commissioned centerpiece artwork, a tradition that gives the gala a lasting identity year after year. Dress code: Ocean Chic — navy, white, sea green, silver.
April 5, 2027 — Fort Lauderdale Country ClubSwing for the Seas — Charity Golf Tournament
One Ocean. One Mission. Together, we can make a difference. Join Ocean Guard for a day of golf, community, and conservation at Fort Lauderdale Country Club. All proceeds support Ocean Guard's mission to protect and restore our oceans and waterways for future generations. Register at oceanguard.org/golf.
Every August — Annual Global CampaignOcean Guard Pacific Expedition
Ocean Guard's flagship international initiative — an annual expedition to the North Pacific to advance the global cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Each August, Ocean Guard deploys research vessels, sailing support boats, drones, and satellite surveys to remove marine debris, conduct water sampling, and map plastic accumulation. The campaign includes daily livestreams, educational outreach for schools worldwide, collaboration with international nonprofit and research partners, and a global fundraising campaign where supporters sponsor pounds of plastic removed. Rather than claiming to 'clean' the Patch alone, Ocean Guard positions this as advancing the global cleanup — ambitious, science-led, and built for long-term impact.
Annual Program Calendar
A Year of Conservation
January – March
Coastal Cleanup Series
Monthly cleanups rotating between beach, intracoastal, and mangrove environments. Goal: 75–150 volunteers per event with local news coverage and corporate volunteer teams.
Port Water Testing Demonstration Day
Invite port officials, environmental companies, universities, and media to witness live water sampling, microplastic testing, and water quality sensor demonstrations.
Sea Turtle Conservation Day
Partner with rehabilitation centers, marine biologists, and schools for educational booths, kids' activities, beach cleanup, and sea turtle presentations.
Ocean Guard Pacific Expedition
Annual flagship expedition to the North Pacific — August through September. Marine debris removal, water sampling, drone and satellite plastic mapping, daily livestreams, and a global sponsor-a-pound fundraising campaign.
More Ways to Get Involved
Additional Programs & Events
Turtle Nest Patrol
During nesting season, volunteers walk beaches, protect nests, and collect scientific data that supports long-term sea turtle population research.
Hatchling Release Education Night
Work with permitted wildlife organizations to educate the public during hatchling season. Actual releases are often regulated, but the educational experience is unforgettable.
Wildlife Photography Contest
Categories include ocean, wetlands, birds, sea turtles, and conservation. Winning photos are displayed at our annual fundraising gala.
CEO Ocean Leadership Breakfast
A networking breakfast for executives featuring guest speakers, conservation updates, sponsorship opportunities, and recognition of Ocean Guard Certified companies.
Corporate Volunteer Day
Companies send employees to clean beaches, plant mangroves, and restore wetlands. Many businesses have dedicated budgets for employee volunteer programs.
Charity Golf Tournament
An annual signature fundraiser with hole sponsorships, silent auction, dinner reception, Ocean Guard awards, and VIP sponsors.
Paddleboard & Kayak Race
Sponsors support racers while raising awareness for cleaner waterways. A fun, active event for the whole community.
Wetlands Discovery Day
Guided nature walks, bird watching, educational talks, native plant giveaways, and family scavenger hunts in South Florida's wetland ecosystems.
Adopt-a-Mangrove Campaign
Donors receive GPS coordinates (where practical), photos, growth updates, and annual impact reports for the mangroves they sponsor.
Miles for Marine Life 5K
Participants receive Ocean Guard shirts, medals made from recycled materials, and access to educational exhibits at the finish line.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you want to volunteer at a cleanup, attend a gala, or partner with us as a corporate sponsor, there's a place for you in Ocean Guard.