International perspective

Unlike terrestrial ecosystems, the ocean’s fluid nature often allows actions taken in one part of the world to show up as profound impacts on marine resources thousands of miles away. The interconnected nature of our oceans is at the core of the Ocean Institute's global outlook, shaping its commitment to both regional and international cooperation.

Ocean institute

The Copenhagen based think tank Ocean Institute was founded in 2021 at the initiative of the philanthropic foundation, VELUX FONDEN. We are an independent, non-profit member-based organisation.

Since 2021, we have leveraged best available knowledge to shed light on the ocean crisis and to support decision-makers in responding to it in a timely and effective manner. To ensure our recommendations on actions to promote clean, healthy oceans and sustainable marine practices are both well-informed and actionable, we gather insights from a diverse array of stakeholders, and through collaborations with our members.

Our team’s broad range of expertise and diverse experiences enables us to confront ocean challenges with a transdisciplinary perspective, blending insights from various fields to come up with holistic solutions that contribute to driving actions for the betterment of marine ecosystems.

Our members

Organizations, business, NGOs, research institutions, and individuals with knowledge, experience, or interest in the marine environment, are eligible for membership at The Ocean Institute. All members commit, upon joining the association, to work towards fulfilling our objectives, including refraining from actions that would undermine these objectives.

Neither VELUX FONDEN nor our members hold decision-making authority over the Ocean Institute’s focus areas, analyses, conclusions, or recommendations, including the methods of conducting and communicating them.

This is our member base:
Danish Fishers PO
The Danish Hunters' Association
The Danish Society for Nature Conservation
The Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation (DPPO)
The Danish Association for Sport Fishing
Danish Aquaculture
Birdlife Denmark
DHI
Energinet
EUC Nordvest
European Energy
FOGA Consult
Danish Outdoor Council
Danish Low-Impact Fishers Producer Organisation
Green Power Denmark
Havhøst
Hedeselskabet
KIMO Denmark
Danish Agriculture & Food Council
Living Sea
Marine Ingredients Denmark
Wadden Sea National Park
NIVA Denmark
The North Sea Science Park
RWE
Sund & Bælt
Søuld
Thyboron Port
TotalEnergies

Our values

1. Whenever we highlight a problem, we strive to propose at least one solution.
2. Our statements are always based on best available knowledge, framed with an objective perspective.
3. We engage with our members and take their input into account.
4. We inform our members of our findings before they are made public.
5. We are only part of the solution. The bigger solution lies in collaborative approaches.

Our publications

We are currently working towards translating our publications into English to reach a broader audience and empower stakeholders beyond Danish speakers by sharing our insights and expertise to promote better solutions for the ocean. Our translations will be available on this page, free of charge as they are completed.