Ocean Net Inc. was a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteers to take action on behalf of the coastal marine environment. Lead by founder Robert O'Brien, and Executive Director Mary (Kay) Coxworthy, Ocean Net created a number of 'Education by Action' environmental stewardship programs that ran in many NL communities from 1997 - 2009.  These programs helped gather hundreds of students together to discuss environmental issues and rally over 32,000 community volunteers to clean up over 1,600 local beaches/shorelines. 

The beach, shoreline, and underwater cleanup program had been at the heart of Ocean Net's success and for a very important reason - it got people engaged in projects focused on the bigger picture, helped remind people of the value of our marine environment, and it strengthened the relationships within NL communities. 

The Marine Institute believes in marine sustainability, educating by action, and engaging youth and community volunteers in ocean conservation.  For this reason, when Ocean Net ceased operations in December 2009, the Marine Institute created MI Ocean Net to build upon and evolve with Ocean Net's conservation initiatives in support of a sustainable marine environment.  MI Ocean Net's holistic approach to its projects ensures that the entire NL demographic is engaged in marine sustainability, the challenges we face, and the associated opportunities.