Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory

Building a Brand for Ocean Innovation

Founded through the philanthropy of Marc and Lynne Benioff, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at UC Santa Barbara develops science and technology to tackle some of the world’s most pressing ocean challenges. Today, its work includes AI-powered systems like Whale Safe, which helps prevent fatal ship strikes by providing mariners with near real-time whale detections, machine learning tools that identify great white sharks and track giant sea bass populations, and data-driven technologies that support plastic pollution reduction, marine protected areas, and deep-sea conservation. CivicBrand developed the organization’s visual identity and custom illustration system, creating a brand that could communicate complex science with clarity while expressing the laboratory’s mission through a visual identity inspired by the health and rhythm of the ocean itself.

Launching on the World Stage

The Benioff Ocean Initiative was introduced on the global stage during the Our Ocean Conference in Washington, D.C., one of the world’s premier gatherings focused on ocean conservation. Hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry and featuring remarks from President Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio, the event brought together heads of state, scientists, philanthropists, and environmental leaders to announce more than $5 billion in new commitments to protect the world’s oceans. It was in this setting that Marc and Lynne Benioff announced a $10 million gift establishing the Benioff Ocean Initiative at UC Santa Barbara, launching what has since become a global leader in applying science and technology to ocean conservation.

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