The International SeaKeepers Society is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to ocean conservation through direct scientific research, citizen science programmes, and the unique involvement of the global superyacht fleet. By placing the yachting community at the heart of marine science, SeaKeepers has created a powerful model for ocean stewardship that turns private vessels into platforms for discovery.
Founding & History
The International SeaKeepers Society was founded to bridge the gap between the yachting world and the scientific community. Recognising that superyachts routinely travel to some of the most remote and ecologically significant waters on Earth, the organisation set out to harness this access for the benefit of marine research. Since its founding, SeaKeepers has facilitated hundreds of research expeditions across all five oceans.
Core Expertise & Capabilities
SeaKeepers operates through several interconnected programmes:
DISCOVERY Fleet — a network of privately owned yachts whose owners volunteer their vessels for scientific expeditions, paired with research proposals that match each vessel's capabilities and itinerary
Citizen Science — programmes that empower yacht owners, captains, crews, and guests to participate in marine research through wildlife observation, water sampling, instrument deployment, and data collection
DISCOVERY Yachts — purpose-equipped vessels carrying permanent scientific instrumentation for ongoing data gathering
Educational outreach — engaging the public and the yachting community in ocean literacy and conservation awareness
Market Position & Clientele
SeaKeepers occupies a unique position at the intersection of the superyacht industry and marine science. Its membership includes yacht owners, charter operators, marinas, and marine businesses who share a commitment to ocean health. The organisation's model is particularly compelling because it creates tangible value from the yachting lifestyle — transforming leisure voyages into opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution.
Technology & Innovation
SeaKeepers deploys a range of scientific instruments aboard its DISCOVERY Fleet vessels, including water-quality sensors, plankton sampling equipment, acoustic monitoring devices, and wildlife tracking technology. The data collected contributes to global marine research databases and has informed studies on ocean acidification, microplastics, coral health, and marine biodiversity.
Sustainability & Future Outlook
As the superyacht industry faces growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, SeaKeepers offers a constructive path forward — demonstrating that the yachting community can be a force for positive change. The organisation's growing fleet of participating vessels and expanding research partnerships suggest a future in which ocean science and yachting are deeply and permanently intertwined.
