Our Mission
Our Mission is ocean conservation through research and education.
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Conservation
We strive to conserve endangered species by working with local partners to achieve conservation goals and engaging the public in the process.
Research
Our research projects focus on fundamental questions about the natural world and the intricacies of how species interact with their environment.
Education
Our core mission is to impart knowledge and provide experiences for youth to engage in meaningful marine science both in the classroom and in the field.
Reflecting on twelve years together has given our team a chance to flip through the archives. Our photo album made us smile, laugh, gasp, and we are thrilled to share a few pages with you.
From studying sharks in the Florida Keys and collecting water samples across the Front Range, to putting students in the field, and sharing the stories of the ocean with communities around the world—every project has been another piece of the journey.
And we couldn’t have done it alone.
To the scientists, educators, students, partners, funders, volunteers, supporters, and friends who have believed in this work: thank you. You have helped shape OFI into what it is today. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this milestone. 🎉🎂
#OceanFirstInstitute #OFI #12Years #OceanConservation #SharkConservation
In 2014, Ocean First Institute was born with a mission to inspire ocean conservation through research and education. We’ve been doing just that for the past twelve years! Our long history of bringing ocean education into classrooms and inland communities has grown alongside our team, aspirations, and accomplishments. Our work would not be possible without you. We would like to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our story.
If you have a favorite moment or memory we would love to hear it! ⬇️ Drop them in the comments! 💕🎉
#12birthday #oceanfirstinstitute #celebrate #oceanconservation #sharkresearch
Did you catch us on The Visioneers with Zay Harding this weekend on CBS? Amid all the shark festivities, we were thrilled to see our work at Ocean First Institute featured on #TheVisoneers on CBS WKND with @ZayHarding1, showcasing how we use BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video Cameras) to catch sharks on camera. 🎥🦈
If you didn’t catch it this time- don’t worrry, we will let you know when it airs again on CBS!
@visioneerstv @volofoundation
🦈🏔️ This past week, Colorado experienced some SHARKS! In the form of educational content that is. 😏
Ocean First Institute’s @cubouldermenv graduate students and OFI educators came together with local Colorado partners to thow a shark party all week long. From a memorable kickoff at the Children’s Hospital, to serene shark yoga, to trying our hand at Trivia, we did it all!
Eleven hundred men went into the water, eleven hundred people and children in Colorado walked away inspired and excited to get connected to the ocean. We exist to be the inland to ocean connection for the community and to remind everyone that sharks are not big scary monsters. 💜🦈
A special thank you to all the incredible community partners we worked with @rockymountaintap @swaylostiki @sirencocktailbar_boulder @yogallery_wellness
#coloradosharkweek #oceanfirstinstitute #sharkscience #inlandtoocean #welovesharks
Conservation is Calling! ☎️ This Shark Week, the team over at Ocean First Institute is asking you to answer the call to save sharks by making sustainable seafood choices and spread positive stories about sharks.
Sharks are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates worldwide. The majority are caught as bycatch- unintentionally captured by fisheries targeting other species. Supporting sustainable seafood and responsible fishing practices helps reduce this impact and contributes to a future where sharks continue to play their vital role in healthy ocean ecosystems. If fish are part of your diet, please do your research and use tools like the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide @seafoodwatch . Choose sustainable seafood. Your choices matter- choose a future for sharks!
If you don’t eat fish, great! We still have an action for you! Tell a friend about how amazing sharks are to spread shark love this week. 🦈💕The more people that know sharks aren’t scary monsters, the better impact we can have on changing the narrative around these beautiful creatures.
#babyshark #FinsForTheFuture #ConservationisCalling #ColoradoSharkWeek #oceanfirstinstitute
This is the announcement we’ve been waiting to share.
Today marks a defining moment for Ocean First Institute. The challenges facing our ocean has never been greater- and neither has the need for bold science, innovative research, and leaders willing to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We’re incredibly proud to introduce the newest member of our team, and our new Director of Science, Dr. Paul Clerkin! @paul_j_clerkin
With a passion for deep-sea shark research, and expertise in taxonomy, robotics, molecular genetics, and underwater cameras, Dr. Paul will help shape the future of Ocean First Institute and the impact we make around the world.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the OFI team and have a new home for my international deep-sea shark research” -Dr. Paul Clerkin
A new chapter in ocean conservation begins today for Ocean First Institute. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Paul! 🌊🦈🔦
#SharkWeek #DrPaulClerkin #OceanFirstInstitute #DeepSeaSharks
Support ocean conservation through research and education.
You are critical and essential in fulfilling our mission. Your donation assures Ocean First Institute can continue to engage in ground breaking research and educate the next generation of ocean ambassadors about the importance of our greatest natural resource and its interconnectedness to all life on the planet.
Twelve years ago, Ocean First Institute began with a simple idea: that research, conservation, education and community engagement could help create a healthier ocean. Today, that idea has grown into 12 years of research, fieldwork, education, partnerships, and countless moments that have reminded us why this work matters.
From studying sharks in the Florida Keys and collecting water samples across the Front Range, to putting students in the field, and sharing the stories of the ocean with communities around the world- every project has been another piece of the journey. This reinforces our commitment to ocean conservation through research and education.
#12years #oceanfirstinstitute #oceanconservation #sharkconservation ...
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Celebrating the Life of Rob Stewart. His Legacy Continues
The Saving Our Seas from a Mile High gala will be an inspiring evening dedicated to ocean conservation, shark protection, and marine research. Hosted by Fins Attached, the event brings together ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to protecting our oceans for future generations. The gala highlights critical conservation projects, groundbreaking shark and marine research, and community-driven efforts to preserve fragile marine ecosystems around the world. Guests experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, education, and purpose, all focused on creating lasting change for the ocean.
The Gala Details: Your ticket includes your choice of meal, open bar, and free parking.
Get your tickets now before they run out.
finsattached.betterworld.org/events/saving-our-seas-mile-high-2026
ONE OCEAN WORLDWIDE COALITION Ocean First Institute A-1 Scuba + Diventures Sharkwater Fin Free Pelagios Kakunjá Salty Sharks Uprising Denver Divers DiveWet.com Ocean Blue Tree Tamara Glover Elite Divers Shearwater DOXA Roland St John Rocío Pérez Ocean First ...
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This is the announcement we’ve been waiting to share.
Today marks a defining moment for Ocean First Institute. The challenges facing our oceans have never been greater- and neither has the need for bold science, innovative research, and leaders willing to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We’re incredibly proud to introduce the newest member of our team, and our new Director of Science, Dr. Paul Clerkin!
With a passion for deep-sea shark research, and expertise in robotics, molecular genetics, and underwater cameras, Dr.Paul will help shape the future of Ocean First Institute and the impact we make around the world.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the OFI team and have a new home for my international deep-sea shark research” -Dr. Paul Clerkin
A new chapter in ocean conservation begins today for Ocean First Institute. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr.Paul! 🌊🦈🔦
#SharkWeek #DrPaulClerkin #OceanFirstInstitute #DeepSeaSharks #FloridaKeysSharkLab ...
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Saving Our Seas From A Mile High 2026 ...
Saving Our Seas From A Mile High 2026
finsattached.betterworld.org
Ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters - First 12 people to register will get a free copy of the "Dr. Hammerhead Swims with Sharks" book.0 CommentsComment on Facebook