Supported by the Two Oceans Aquarium and other corporate and community partners, the Education Foundation is involved in a number of marine conservation initiatives, including flagship projects like the Turtle Rescue Programme and the V&A Waterfront's Wildlife Management Programme. These efforts have variously rescued, rehabilitated and released five species of endangered sea turtle, marine mammals, ocean sunfish, sharks and coastal seabirds.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation places a strong emphasis on marine science literacy, for the benefit of future generations of South African children, and the ocean at large. Efforts of the Education Foundation in this regard include environmental education outreach programmes, early childhood development lessons, free courses via the Marine Sciences Academy, and thousands of lessons for school learners, subsidised and hosted by the Two Oceans Aquarium.
With the establishment of the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation, the Two Oceans Aquarium has grown its research capacity. The Education Foundation supports various external research projects and has increased its internal research outcomes significantly through strong collaboration with a number of higher education institutions and research organisations.
Both the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation and the Aquarium carry the mandate to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage others to live sustainable lifestyles. To aid in reaching this goal, the Foundation and Aquarium run a number of high profile campaigns emphasising the importance of choosing reusable options over single-use plastics, such as Rethink the Bag or Bin Your Butts.
