What we do
Together we protect both threatened wildlife and the communities that depend on a healthy planet.
With enthusiasm and the support of our specialists, we have implemented more than 200 collaborative projects to protect ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. We are motivated by the design of science-based conservation solutions that positively impact nature. Along with scientific research, we work closely with and alongside communities, and through art and social sciences, we develop innovative projects that help mitigate the threats our planet faces.
Threatened species
We protect species in five diverse ecoregions – ranging from the Bering Sea, to inland Saline Lakes, and remote oceanic islands of Chile. We study over 50 species of birds, mammals and plants. Explore some of them below.
Humboldt Penguin
Humboldt Penguin Endemic species of the Humboldt Current, an extraordinarily productive marine ecosystem.Conservation In the 19th century, hundreds...
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Wedge-tailed Shearwater This oceanic seabird often feeds with tuna schools and serves as an important sign of ocean health in the warm waters of the...
Tufted Puffin
Tufted Puffin An iconic species of the North Pacific, the Tufted Puffin has been declining for several decades throughout much of its...
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope A small and charming migratory shorebird that specializes on saline lake habitats, the Wilson’s phalarope is threatened with...
Cassin’s Auklet
Cassin’s Auklet Experts at diving for small krill and larval fish, these seabirds are vulnerable to changes in ocean temperature and...
Rhinoceros Auklet
Rhinoceros Auklet Long-lived ecosystem engineers and indicators of marine and island health.Natural history A close relative of puffins, the...
Masafuera Rayadito
Masafuera Rayadito It is a poorly known and critically endangered landbird unique to only one island in the worldNatural history Endemic to the...
Juan Fernández Firecrown
Juan Fernández Firecrown Endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island and on the verge of extinction.Natural history Only inhabits the native forest of...
Black-footed Albatross
Black-footed Albatross A charismatic ambassador for ocean stewardship, this species travels vast distances to forage and encounters many threats...
Pink-footed Shearwater
Pink-footed Shearwater A remarkable seabird that travels thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean, returning to just three Chilean islands...
Fisheries
We encourage sustainable fishing practices by providing data to partners about the impacts of fisheries to seabird populations.
Forage fish
Forage fishSmall fishes known as “forage fish,” such as anchovies and sardines, are vital to the health of our oceans. Seabird diets provide a...
Sustainable Fisheries: reducing seabird bycatch
Sustainable fisheries: reducing seabird bycatchWe research and implement mitigation measures to reduce threats from bycatch, the leading cause of...
Conservation solutions
We design and implement on-the-ground solutions with local communities, artists and designers to reduce threats facing wildlife and ecosystems.
Conservation fences
Conservation fencesBreeding seabirds face competition and predation at increasingly disturbed island habitats. Human-introduced species such as...
Habitat restoration
Habitat restorationHealthy plants and stable soil support healthy breeding birds and island ecosystems. Oikonos partners with restoration experts to...
Innovative nests
Innovative nests As climate change and human development degrade the quality and availability of breeding bird habitat, safe nesting sites for...
Ocean pollution
We contribute to the global problem of marine pollution by investigating plastic ingestion and toxicity in the stomachs of marine animals.
Student scientists – plastic in albatross diet
Student scientists - plastic in albatross dietOcean pollution continues to be a global problem for ecosystems and humankind. The Student Scientist...
Plastic in the food webs: tunas and emerging species
Plastic in the food webs: tunas and emerging speciesOikonos initiated the Biological Indicators of Ocean Plastic Pollution (BIOPs) Network to study...
Tracking Marine Plastic Pollution: Is it increasing?
Tracking Marine Plastic Pollution: Is it increasing?The Biological Indicators of Ocean Plastic Pollution (BIOPs) program seeks to improve ocean...
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Wedge-tailed Shearwater This oceanic seabird often feeds with tuna schools and serves as an important sign of ocean health in the warm waters of the...
Public policies and management
We work with government agencies, universities, indigenous groups, and non-profit organizations to support the development of policies and plans that translate into better conservation strategies for threatened species and ecosystems. Explore some of these environmental policies and plans below:
National Bird Strategy
National Bird StrategySince 2020, we are part of the core team that advises the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) in updating the National Bird...
International Phalarope Working Group
International Phalarope Working GroupPhalaropes are tiny shorebirds that make impressive migrations between North and South America and rely heavily...
Seabird Working Groups
Seabird Working Groups The working groups are composed of scientists who advise national and international public agencies on the conservation...
Threatened Species Plans (RECOGE)
Threatened Species Plans (RECOGE)In Chile, the national action plan (RECOGE) is led by the Ministry of the Environment to contribute to the...
Education and community
We are passionate about working as a team with local communities. We develop educational and training activities so that local communities become advocates for the conservation of their environment in the long term.
Curriculum STEM+Art
Curriculum STEM+ArtWe create free lessons aligned with common core and state standards so educators have an inspiring way to teach required STEM...
Educational resources
Educational resourcesThe following free resources were created with multiple partners and there is something for all ages.Learn about unique...
Schools & Communities
Schools & Communities:Through innovation, science and art, we have promoted environmental education programs since 2002. We seek to generate...