Citizens of the Sea began as a partnership between Cawthron Institute and New Zealand Geographic to mobilise and equip seafarers to generate ocean data and support ocean health. 

We work with local partners in each ocean region to form deep connections with communities, agencies and governments to share data and inform ocean health indices, climate predictions and better ocean management.  

In 2024 we recruited 26 offshore cruising yachts, a Pacific voyaging vaka, a commercial vessel and a global racing sailor to use innovative new tools to collect eDNA, environmental data and produce photogrammetric reef models as they traverse the oceans.

In 2025 we established an independent charitable trust, brought on an independent Chair and are setting out on the Pacific Rally again to double-down on the eDNA programme and build on the largest dataset of its kind.

Contact us for more information and partnership opportunities.