Established in 1963 as a nonprofit research foundation, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute (HSWRI) is dedicated to understanding the ocean and its inhabitants in order to promote the wise use of marine resources.

Staff scientists study a variety of subjects, from sea turtles to killer whales (Orcinus orca). Ongoing research projects include investigations into methods of reducing the sound that attracts killer whales to longline fishing boats; the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP) for the restocking of the depleted white seabass (Cynoscion nobilis) and California halibut (Paralichtys californicus) populations off the California coast; satellite tracking of marine mammals to provide information on their location, dive behavior, and physiological functions; and population studies on all species of sea turtles.

The Nature Conservancy, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1951 for scientific and educational purposes. Its mission is "to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and water they need to survive." To date, the Nature Conservancy has been responsible for the protection of more than 6.3 million acres in the United States and Canada, and has partner organizations to preserve land in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Nature Conservancy owns more than 1,300 preserves, making it the largest private system of nature sanctuaries in the world.

A key objective of Nature Conservancy programs is to integrate economic growth with environmental protection.

The WWF is the U.S. affiliate of the international WWF which has organizations in nearly 40 countries. WWF is the largest private organization working worldwide to protect endangered wildlife and its habitat. Since its formation in 1961, WWF has supported 2,068 projects in 116 countries and has spent over $62 million on conservation efforts. The organization is committed to "protecting natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species; and promoting sustainable approaches to the use of renewable natural resources and promoting more efficient use of resources and energy and the maximum reduction of pollution."

WWF has been a leader in African conservation since 1962. Its efforts include training park guards, funding anti poaching campaigns, and sponsoring ecologically sound community development programs.