**Ocean Wise Conservation Association**  
The **Ocean Wise Conservation Association** is a Canadian nonprofit environmental organization focused on marine conservation through public education, scientific research, and community-driven initiatives. Established in 1951 (initially operating as the Vancouver Aquarium's parent organization), it became a standalone conservation entity, restructuring its programs in 2019 to address overfishing, pollution, and climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems[2][4].  

### Mission and Focus  
Ocean Wise aims to inspire global action for ocean health by increasing public understanding of marine ecosystems and implementing conservation programs. Its work targets three primary threats: overexploitation of marine resources, habitat degradation, and climate-related disruptions[2][5].  

### Programs and Initiatives  
- **Ocean Wise Seafood**: A sustainable seafood certification program partnering with over 3,000 Canadian retailers to promote responsibly sourced seafood and combat overfishing[2].  
- **WhaleReport Alert System**: Collaborates with shipping industries to reduce vessel strikes on whales, issuing over 10,000 alerts since its inception[1][2].  
- **Shoreline Cleanup**: Engages volunteers in removing plastic waste from coastlines, covering 3,937 km of shorelines in 2019 alone[1][2].  
- **Marine Mammal Rescue Centre**: A rehabilitation facility in Vancouver that rescues and treats injured marine animals, aiding 104 animals in 2019, including those harmed by plastic pollution[2].  

### Governance and Funding  
The organization operates under a hybrid model, combining aquarium operations (65% of program costs in 2019) with field conservation projects. It also partners with academic institutions, corporations, and community groups to expand its reach[2][4]. As a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it contributes to global marine conservation strategies[3].  

### Recognition and Impact  
Ocean Wise’s initiatives have mobilized over one million participants worldwide, emphasizing citizen-led action and collaborative research to address marine biodiversity loss[1][5].