As a member-based action company, we intend to:

1. Get the next generations excited about the ocean
2. Use the most advanced technologies to understand and monitor ocean health
3. Detect and help to eliminate sources of contamination
4. Publicly promulgate clear test results on marine and seafood samples
5. Support other nonprofits focused on ocean and environmental remediation
6. Apply environmental policy pressure on companies and legislators
7. Remind people to think about the ocean, and what we flush into it

Healthy oceans are essential for life on Earth to continue through the next generations. Who's keeping watch? While governments focus on general climate and political crises, marine ecology research and seafood toxicology studies are taking a back seat as temperature and chemical changes are taking place in our oceans. We think federal and state resources and plans are inadequate to provide essential data on ocean health and ocean product contamination.

Ocean degradation refers to the rapid changes in water and sea life chemistry that have occurred in the past few decades, due to contaminants ranging from petroleum and nuclear waste to the vast quantities of sewage dumps and chemical pollutants which affect all sea life and Earth's ecosystem at large.

Science will be the basis of discovering and eliminating our major sources of contamination. The first thing we need is more complete data, which tells us what problems we have and provides clues to help identify and correct polluted areas. Current testing protocols are too infrequent and largely unpromulgated. Marine Watchdog's goal is to recruit support to enable thorough testing of ocean environmental systems and sea life; publish the results publicly, clearly and transparently; and apply pressure on polluting companies and legislators to enact stronger protective measures.

Ocean crimes are activites that destroy ocean life and violate international policies. Today, ocean crimes are largely overlooked, and human industry continues to contaminate the water and seafood products with petrochemicals, radiation poisoning, microplastics and toxic metals like mercury. All major ocean products are at risk of contaminants, including tuna, salmon, crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, and even Fillet-O-Fish sandwiches.

Yes, we are a nonprofit California Benefit Company. However, we won't be relying on handouts. We earn our way by delivering relevant information, member benefits, public services and education, and unique and valuable services and products.

Firstly, our research focus is on marine life chemistry. Through sample collections and comparative scientific studies with new technologies, we'll learn and face the truth about microplastics, radiation and other contaminants in our seafood and other ocean products such as salt and seaweed. Marine Watchdogs is also highly focused on education about ocean health and purity in the North Pacific fishing regions — ocean waters between California, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico.

You don't have to be a Watchdogs member to follow our pledge. Watchdog members agree to:

1. Do no harm . Try to avoid adding to environmental pollution that contributes to ocean degradation.
2. Share information . Show others how to avoid contaminating the marine environment. (But don't be annoying.)