Douglas Meyer

(The Ocean Project )

Inspiring Conservation Action: Insights from Opinion Research and Onsite Experience

The aim of The Ocean Project is to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and other visitor-serving organizations as they seek to engage their audiences and advance conservation action. For more than 15 years, The Ocean Project has been conducting national-level opinion research, with an emphasis on understanding public interest and attitudes about ocean conservation, including the role of aquariums and zoos. With support from its partner network, private foundations, and NOAA, The Ocean Project has been putting the research findings to the test, supporting partners as they develop and evaluate new and innovative approaches to visitor engagement. This presentation will provide an overview of the lessons learned, with ample opportunity for discussion.


Mr. Meyer leads The Ocean Project's communications initiative, assisting with market research and—through the Innovative Solutions Grants+ Program—helping partners integrate those insights into their own priorities and programs. As a principal with the consulting firm of Bernuth & Williamson since 2003, Douglas has assisted a wide range of organizations and funders, including RFF, WRI, and WWF, as well as the Gates Foundation and DDCF. Previously, he was on staff at The Nature Conservancy and worked extensively in film, television, and radio production. He holds degrees from Indiana University and Georgetown University and has taught at Skidmore College. In spite of being a sad sight as a surfer, he still loves going to the beach with his wife and daughters.