Our story

Voice of the Ocean was founded in 2019. Its roots lay in the work of founder Carl Douglas, who explored the sea through research and diving for more than three years.  

Through his involvement with the Swedish marine survey company MMT, he helped advance subsea mapping and exploration. Through diving expeditions such as the search for the DC-3 aircraft in the Baltic, he explored how new tools could reveal hidden histories. 

In 2019, that experience came together in the creation of Voice of the Ocean, a foundation dedicated to advancing ocean science and bringing its insights into public life. Today, Voice of the Ocean is a growing, internationally recognised organisation with a team of 30. We operate a 24/7 ocean monitoring system in the Baltic, support an ambitious array of cultural collaborations, and partner with leading global institutions – including UNESCO – to shape conversations and action at the highest level.

Our theory of change

At Voice of the Ocean (VOTO), the work begins by asking a simple but essential question. What is missing? That is where the foundation focuses its efforts.

From there, understanding can be built. Through observations, expeditions and collaboration, data is gathered and patterns are followed. The aim is to build a deeper and more continuous picture of what is happening beneath the surface.

Collecting knowledge is only one part of the process. What matters equally is how that knowledge is used. Insights are shared openly, not only as data but also through film, books, media and education. All to make the ocean visible and more understandable.

From there, the work extends outwards. Into classrooms, homes and public conversations where decisions are made. Gradually, the distance between the ocean and everyday life begins to narrow.

Over time, the impact becomes visible. When knowledge is accessible and understood, it begins to influence how we think, how we feel and how we act.

This is how VOTO operates. Not as a single effort, but as an ongoing and deliberate way of working. Filling gaps where they exist – to make a difference.