Become a Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP)
About Ocean Alliance Canada
Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC) is a program of ECO Canada focused on strengthening the blue economy in Canada and Internationally by connecting people, skills and systems across sustainable ocean industries.
Our Vision
A resilient and globally competitive blue economy that is supported by clear career pathways, shared approaches and an inclusive collaboration ecosystem for ocean sectors.
Our Mission
To strengthen the blue economy by driving shared standards, tools and partnerships that improve coordination across ocean careers, innovation and policy.
How OAC Started
The global blue economy is growing quickly, creating new opportunities across ocean sectors. At the same time, career pathways, skills recognition and workforce coordination have struggled to keep pace. Limited collaboration, uneven innovation support, and misaligned policy have often resulted in siloed or duplicated efforts and gaps in the blue economy.
OAC exists to help solve these challenges.
Built on Experience
Ocean Alliance Canada was established by ECO Canada in 2025, building on decades of experience in the environmental sector and ongoing work in the blue economy. Through this work, it became clear that there was support needed where ECO Canada could take a leadership role in aligning efforts across the ocean ecosystem.
Our Impact So Far
- 5,500+ individuals engaged across Canada
- 90+ organizations actively engaged
- 10+ targeted trainings, bootcamps and learning programs delivered
PEOPLE
Building a globally competitive skills and workforce systems through training, credentialing, pathways and equitable participation.
PROGRESS
Turning research, data and collaboration into measurable actions that support innovation readiness and sector growth.
PARTNERSHIPS
Advancing regions, sectors and communities to shape Canada’s priorities within global ocean systems and embed insight across the blue economy.
How We Work Together
Today, OAC operates as an alliance with secretariate and leadership support from ECO Canada. This structure allows us to leverage national infrastructure and professional expertise to support the delivery of OAC’s ocean workforce development projects and programs. Some team members support both organizations, helping ensure continuity and program robustness, especially across initiatives like the SBEP professional designation.
The Ocean Alliance Canada Team
Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry
SBEP Team
Governance and Structure
Ocean Alliance Canada is governed by a National Steering Committee composed of 15–17 leaders from across Canada’s ocean sectors and observers. This central decision-making and advisory body oversees strategic direction, coordinates working group efforts, and ensures sectoral alignment.
The Committee is supported by ECO Canada and includes representation from federal and provincial governments, Indigenous organizations, academia, and international observers.
Chair
ECO Canada VP, Professional Services
Vice-Chair
Rotating reps from Canadian institutions
Sector Representatives
5–7 cross-sector Blue Economy representatives
Government Liaison
Federal and provincial government reps
Academic Representative
2–3 leading ocean-focused institutions
Technology & Innovation Expert
Experts in AI, Ocean Tech, and Clean Tech
Labour & Workforce Lead
National skills councils, unions, and workforce orgs
Indigenous Organization Representative
Key Indigenous-led Blue Economy organizations
Observer
Caribbean institutions and UN agencies
Working Groups
Have an idea for a new Working Group? We welcome proposals focused on collaboration, innovation, and advancement in Canada’s blue economy.
Email us at info@oceanalliancecanada.ca
Please Note: Final Working Group selections will be confirmed during our September Steering Committee meeting.
Workforce Development
Indigenous Engagement
Ocean Policy & Action
Global Competitiveness
Be Part of Canada's Ocean Future
Join our national alliance of professionals, researchers, and employers building a sustainable ocean workforce.