Featured
Who we are
National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is a dedicated, influential member-based organization of classroom teachers, informal educators, university professors, scientists, and more from around the world working together to advance the understanding and protection of our freshwater and marine ecosystems. From scientists working in the deep sea to students studying underwater archeology in the Great Lakes, NMEA members are dedicated to making known the world of water, both fresh and salt.
NMEA educators are:
700+
Formal and informal educators
We're a diverse community of educators working together to improve the public's awareness and appreciation for marine and freshwater resources.
from
300+
different organizations
NMEA members come from schools, non-profit organizations, universities, government agencies, aquariums, and more.
in
20+
countries
Our membership represents education professionals from all over the U.S. and the world.
What We Do
The National Marine Educators Association directs multiple national and international initiatives to further our mission of making known the world of water. These initiatives are led by dedicated committees of active members in NMEA. Explore below to learn more.
Empower the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
USA Blue Schools are transforming how we protect our ocean by putting the power directly into the hands of students. We don't just teach marine conservation; we equip young leaders to drive real-world change in their own communities.
Your support is the primary engine behind our school initiatives. We believe that the best way to protect our Blue Planet is to give students the agency to solve the problems they see in their own backyards.
How Your Donation Drives Impact
By contributing today, you are directly funding:
Connections to Local Environments: Giving schools resources to get students’ feet wet—literally and figuratively—in their local watersheds.
School-Led Conservation Grants: Providing the seed money and materials for students and teachers to design, launch, and manageimpactful projects in their communities.
.School-Wide Sustainability Initiatives: Funding the infrastructure for schools to adopt sustainable practices and marine-focused curriculum enhancements.
Action-Oriented Research: Moving beyond the textbook by giving students the resources to conduct real-world environmental research.
Community Ripple Effects: Enabling schools to act as hubs for local marine conservation, where student projects create widespread awareness and drive policy change.
Join us in creating a brighter future for our ocean through the power of education and student action.
Donate to USA Blue Schools
Together, we can ensure that our oceans thrive for generations to come by investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
Get Involved
Ready to connect with a community of educators? Here's how to get started.
Join NMEA
Become a member of this dynamic ocean and aquatic community of educators, scientists, and interested and interesting people! Benefits range from opportunities for scholarships and leadership to camaraderie and empowerment through NMEA.
Attend a Conference
Get to know us best by attending our Annual National Conference! Each year our National Conference takes place in a different city to exchange marine and aquatic education. Hope to see you there!
COntribute to CUrrent
Current: The Journal of Marine Education is the peer-reviewed journal of the National Marine Educators Association. It features lively, in-depth articles and activities relating to all aspects of the world of water.
Donate
Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity. Your contributions will help ensure that our work continues. NMEA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Join a regional chapter
Regional chapters are a great way to connect with other educators near you.
Join a Committee
We encourage NMEA members to check out and get involved in one or more of our committees! See our committee page for committee descriptions and information on how to join a committee.