SeaWorld Entertainment is to partner with marine life conservation organisation OCEARCH.
The agreement includes the protection of marine animals and educating students on marine life.
The partnership was announced on board a 126ft OREACH research vessel, a floating science lab and mothership on its first research expedition of the year. Future missions are scheduled for May and September.
The missions will bring together the OCEARCH team and SeaWorld veterinarians, scientists and researchers.
The knowledge and experience will contribute to a shared mission to educate, inspire and advocate for ocean health and marine animal conservation efforts.
SeaWorld chief zoological officer Dr Chris Dold said: “We are thrilled to partner with OCEARCH to continue to raise awareness of critical issues surrounding marine animals and habitats.
“SeaWorld is one of the world’s foremost zoological rescue organisations, and using the global satellite tracker on rehabilitated and returned animals is an exciting way for us to share the next chapter in the lives of rescued animals.
“Working together, we hope to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and everyday advocates through our common love of the ocean.”
Chris Fischer, OCEARCH founding chairman and expedition leader, added: “Together, OCEARCH and SeaWorld will focus on bringing everyday people closer to the ocean to increase understanding of how to better protect marine animals and habitats. We are committed to providing open-sourced, real-time data and content, allowing anyone to follow our findings – from classrooms to researchers and experts.”
SeaWorld has struggled in the wake of controversial documentary ‘Blackfish,’ released in 2013.
The film was critical of practices at SeaWorld, and consumer reaction has negatively affected attendances and profits.