# Sea Education Association

> non-profit organization in the USA

**Wikidata**: [Q7439882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7439882)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Education_Association)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sea-education-association

## Summary
The Sea Education Association (SEA) is a non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to ocean education, research, and sustainability. It offers hands-on programs, including voyages aboard research vessels, to foster environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry. SEA operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, combining academic learning with real-world oceanographic research.

## Key Facts
- **Legal Form**: Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 04-2702102).
- **Location**: Based in Falmouth, Massachusetts, at coordinates 41.549° N, 70.645° W.
- **Field of Work**: Focuses on oceanography, marine science, and environmental education.
- **Revenue (2023)**: $10,645,271 (USD), with total assets of $23,348,494.
- **Programs**: Offers the SEA Semester program, which integrates coursework with research at sea.
- **Vessels**: Operates research ships, including the SSV Corwith Cramer and SSV Robert D. Webb.
- **Online Presence**: Website at [sea.edu](https://sea.edu/), with social media handles @SEA_Woods_Hole (Twitter) and @sea_education_association (Instagram).
- **Awards & Ratings**: Evaluated by Charity Navigator (ID: 7541), with annual donations exceeding $3 million in recent years.

## FAQs
### Q: What does the Sea Education Association do?
A: SEA provides educational programs and conducts oceanographic research through immersive experiences at sea, emphasizing hands-on learning and environmental sustainability.

### Q: Is SEA a charity?
A: Yes, SEA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning donations to the group are tax-deductible in the U.S.

### Q: Where is SEA located?
A: SEA is headquartered in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, and operates programs globally aboard its research vessels.

## Why It Matters
The Sea Education Association plays a critical role in advancing ocean literacy and conservation through experiential education. By combining rigorous academic coursework with research expeditions, SEA equips students, scientists, and policymakers with firsthand knowledge of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. Its programs address global issues like climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss, fostering a new generation of environmental leaders. SEA’s work bridges the gap between scientific research and public awareness, driving actionable solutions for ocean sustainability.

## Notable For
- **Research Vessels**: Operates two sailing research ships, the SSV Corwith Cramer and SSV Robert D. Webb, which serve as floating classrooms and laboratories.
- **SEA Semester**: A flagship program accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, offering college credit for oceanographic studies.
- **Global Impact**: Conducts research in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean, collaborating with international partners to address marine conservation challenges.
- **Nonprofit Model**: Relies on donations, grants, and program fees to sustain its mission, with transparent financial reporting (e.g., $6.7 million in donations in 2023).

## Body
### Mission & Programs
SEA’s mission is to educate students, scientists, and the public about the ocean and its critical role in the Earth system. Its programs include:
- **SEA Semester**: A 6- to 12-week accredited program blending shore-based coursework with research voyages.
- **Research Initiatives**: Long-term studies on ocean health, including plankton biodiversity, microplastics, and climate change impacts.
- **Professional Development**: Workshops for educators and policymakers to integrate ocean science into decision-making.

### Fleet & Operations
SEA maintains two research vessels:
- **SSV Corwith Cramer**: A 134-foot brigantine used for Atlantic Ocean studies.
- **SSV Robert D. Webb**: A 120-foot topsail schooner operating in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Both ships are equipped for scientific sampling, data collection, and sail training.

### Financials & Governance
- **Revenue (2020–2023)**: Ranged from $5.7 million to $13.8 million, primarily from program fees and donations.
- **Donations**: Received $6.7 million in contributions in 2023, supporting scholarships and research grants.
- **Transparency**: Files annual IRS Form 990 disclosures, with audits available via ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.

### Academic & Public Engagement
SEA collaborates with universities worldwide, publishing research in journals like *Marine Pollution Bulletin* and *PLOS ONE*. Public outreach includes free online resources, community workshops, and partnerships with organizations like NOAA and the National Science Foundation.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. [Study Abroad with SEA - Sea Education Association](https://sea.edu/)
3. [Source](https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/042702102)
4. [Study Abroad with SEA - Sea Education Association](https://sea.edu/#wrapper)
5. Nonprofit Explorer
6. [Nonprofit Explorer](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42702102)
7. GRID Release 2015-12-14
8. GRID Release 2016-12-06
9. Quora
10. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
11. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
12. [Source](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7541&oldpage)
13. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)