For Our Ocean Planet: WHOI launches historic $500 million campaign to ignite ocean discovery and solutions

Backed by global leaders and philanthropists, WHOI launches a landmark campaign to advance the science that protects the ocean, sustains communities, and secures our ocean future.

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Woods Hole, Mass. (October 20, 2025) — Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the world’s leading independent nonprofit dedicated to ocean science, engineering, education, and communication, has launched the public phase of its comprehensive Campaign for Our Ocean Planet, with an ambitious goal of raising $500 million by 2027.

The campaign, the largest ever undertaken for ocean science, comes at a pivotal moment as the ocean faces unprecedented pressures from pollution, industrialization, and rising temperatures. Changes in the federal funding environment add urgency to WHOI’s call for philanthropic partners to ensure WHOI’s continued contributions to ocean health, wildlife, national security, and the blue economy.

Ocean advocate Sylvia Earle was recognized with a Centennial Medal by WHOI President and Director Peter de Menocal. (Photo by ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

“The future of the ocean is the future of our planet,” said WHOI President and Director Peter de Menocal. “Reduced federal research funding and the accelerating pace of ocean change mean we must be more adaptable and more courageous than ever. Bold investments today allow us to advance the science and technology to protect ocean ecosystems, pioneer real solutions, and ensure generational continuity of future explorers and innovators.”

“Private philanthropy has always been a critical complement to federal funding, helping to drive high-risk, high-reward and rapid response research that federal agencies typically don’t fund,” de Menocal added.

Campaign Chair and WHOI Trustee Sarah Johnson announced the fundraising goal, capping a full-day event on WHOI’s Woods Hole, Massachusetts, campuses. Invited guests and community members met scientists and engineers, toured labs, technology, and marine operations facilities, and mingled with dignitaries, including ocean advocate, marine biologist, and explorer Sylvia Earle. Earle shared, “A unique world leader in the past, present, and future of global ocean exploration and research, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution produces actions needed to understand and maintain ocean health and prosperity for humankind.”

Guests were also able to get close to the research vessel Neil Armstrong and the human-occupied submersible Alvin, which recently returned home from a series of successful dives in the Pacific Ocean.

As part of the campaign, WHOI is honoring world leaders who have helped make a difference for the protection of our blue planet, including Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, who were recognized for establishing and expanding Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii during their presidencies. In a video greeting played at the launch event, President Bush congratulated WHOI on its 95 years of leadership in science, exploration, and service to the United States, and thanked the WHOI community for the work they do “to protect our oceans and make this nation a global leader in ocean science.” President Obama thanked WHOI for “being such an important voice right now” and encouraged the community to keep asking tough questions, following the evidence, and “reminding all of us that our blue planet is worth protecting.”

Explorer, innovator, and filmmaker James Cameron was also honored by WHOI for his pioneering exploration of the Challenger Deep and his longtime ocean advocacy.  Cameron applauded WHOI for its spirit of exploration, saying, "At WHOI, curiosity is never idle. It’s a power source. An engine of imagination. It bolts innovative technologies onto brilliant ideas. It shows us what’s real and what works.”

The Campaign for Our Ocean Planet is already making waves after it began quietly in 2021 with an initial goal of $260 million. Thanks to extraordinary leadership support, including $106 million in commitments from WHOI Trustees, the institution has already secured $396+ million in commitments for ocean science, technology, and education. In recognition of this momentum and the urgent need for ocean-based solutions to pressing societal problems, WHOI raised its campaign goal to $500 million.

Campaign investments will strengthen WHOI’s ability to attract and retain top talent, expand growth across key research areas, and accelerate innovation through new technologies, infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaborations. They will also support scientists at every career stage, including early years when seed funding helps launch science careers and facilitate innovative ideas to ensure that WHOI remains at the forefront of ocean discovery, delivering science and solutions at the very moment the world needs them most.

“WHOI is a national treasure and a global leader in rigorous, solutions-focused ocean research,” said Samuel Harp, WHOI’s Vice President of Advancement. “Visionary gifts are already fueling projects that leverage WHOI’s breadth of ocean science expertise, engineering innovation, and marine operations to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—from restoring coral reefs and protecting endangered species to reducing microplastic pollution and exploring marine-based carbon dioxide removal strategies.”

“With the support of our philanthropic partners, WHOI is unlocking the ocean’s potential to secure a thriving future for our ocean planet for the next 100 years and beyond,” said de Menocal.

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About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Founded in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean, its interactions with the Earth, and its role in a changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries arise from a unique blend of science and engineering that has made it one of the world’s most trusted leaders in ocean research and exploration. Known for its multidisciplinary approach, advanced ship operations, and unmatched deep-sea robotics, WHOI also operates the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms worldwide. More than 800 concurrent projects—driven by top scientists, engineers, and students—push the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policy for a healthier planet. Behind the scenes, ship captains, mates, craftsmen, marine operations, and other skilled professionals provide essential support that makes this work possible. Learn more at whoi.edu.