Mission: The Bay Area Ocean Cluster (BAOC) fosters connection and cooperation to grow the Bay Area's Blue Economy.
About: BOAC is part of a growing consortium of ocean clusters serving shoreline cities all across the United States. Some are newly established, some have been in operation for a decade or more. An ocean cluster is based on a powerful premise: that the public sector, the private sector, and academia can realize ambitious goals when working together, and that they need a connective organization (or “Cluster”) to facilitate collaboration.
History: BAOC was founded as a Public Benefit Corporation in 2024. Through 501(c)3 fiscal sponsorship, we are also able to accept donations. We work with funding partners that are focused on regional economic opportunities, and science-based organizations supporting blue economy initiatives.
Our work is concentrated on these foundational areas:
· Our BlueTech Workforce Development Program™ ( in its Pilot Year) places students in skill-building work environments, preparing them for challenging, well-paid careers.
· Events which convene our community deepen awareness and understanding of vital, topical issues.
· Our open source Bay Area Blue Economy Directory is provided free-of-charge, to explore and better understand the Bay Area blue economy.
· We use research findings to facilitate actions and collaboration with regional stakeholders, driving growth of the blue economy sector in the SF Bay Area
A Needs Assessment (in progress) is our next step in providing data that our Bay Area ocean community lacks.
Ongoing research on key economic, social, and environmental issues and opportunities drives our program activities.
Ethos: BAOC is committed to a workplace that represents and empowers our community. This commitment means economic and educational outreach to underserved communities, as well as considering how our decisions as an organization affect those communities. We’re active in showcasing environmental challenges, and devoted to promoting responsible solutions to these challenges. A deep bench of expert advisors serve BAOC, and we’re grateful for their support! Their bios are listed here.
Definitions: The Bay Area Ocean Cluster uses the United Nations definition of the Blue Economy: “an economic approach that promotes economic growth, social inclusion, and improved livelihoods while ensuring the environmental sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.”
If the Blue Economy is new to you, please visit here for an overview.
Welcome to the Bay Area Ocean Cluster!
“The Bay Area Ocean Cluster has a unique opportunity to serve as a catalyst for the growth of ocean-related companies in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Building on the region's heritage of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, BAOC serves as a critical entry-point for those interested in developing and supporting solutions for our oceans and our climate.”
Mike Blakeley, Chief Program Officer
