Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP)

ECOP Canada

The UN Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Network Programme is established to empower ECOPs, who self-identify as being in the first ten years of their career (paid or volunteer) in any field related to the ocean. Endorsed as a program in 2021 by the UN Ocean Decade, the global network of ECOPs are connected through regional and national nodes that work together to elevate diverse, intergenerational and innovative perspectives in ocean sustainability. 

In 2024, it was announced that the ECOP Canada node would be housed under the SOI Foundation, supported by the Blue Futures Pathways program. This partnership brings together two programs with an aligned vision of supporting workforce development and raising awareness and access to career opportunities in Canada’s Sustainable Blue Economy.

Vision 

Our vision is to empower the Canadian ocean sector by fostering intergenerational equity and by supporting diverse, early career ocean professionals shaping a sustainable blue future. 

Mission

Guided by the UN Ocean Decade, our mission is to cultivate a new generation of ocean leaders who will innovate or contribute to solutions addressing global ocean challenges. We will achieve this by providing early career ocean professionals with opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate with one another and with established ocean institutions, while respecting diverse perspectives and fostering intergenerational cooperation.