Ethics and Accountability
Code of Ethics
Around the world, Oceana is helping to protect and restore the oceans, in partnership with allies and communities. Oceana has set out in a Code of Ethics how we expect our staff to meet high standards of integrity, respect, and inclusivity in achieving our mission and safeguarding the contributions of our donors and supporters.
You can find relevant excerpts from our Code of Ethics here.
Internal Accountability, Whistleblower Policy, and Anti-Retaliation Policy
Oceana has taken several steps to ensure accountability with our standards of conduct.
A staff member who has experienced, observed, or learned about conduct they believe is contrary to Oceana’s polices or Code of Ethics must report it. Oceana has provided multiple ways to make such a report. Our Code of Conduct identifies specific staff to whom reports should be made. Alternatively, reports from staff members may be made through EthicsPoint, a third-party compliance company through which Oceana has arranged that reports may be made confidentially in writing or by telephone, in English or in local languages. To ensure that accountability extends to all staff including senior leadership, reports through EthicsPoint that implicate senior leaders are routed directly to Oceana’s Board of Directors.
When an employee reports a violation of this Code, Oceana will investigate and take action to correct violations. Employees are protected from retaliation for either reporting a violation or participating in an investigation. Any person found to have retaliated against an individual for reporting violations or participating in an investigation of allegations will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Grievance Mechanism
Who can submit a grievance?
Any fisher, association member, or community member affected by Oceana’s work.
We recognize and respect the right of individuals to submit complaints anonymously. All grievances, including those submitted without identifying information, will be taken seriously and assessed based on the information provided. While anonymity may limit our ability to follow up directly with the complainant, we will make every reasonable effort to investigate and address the concerns raised.
What issues can you report?
- Mistreatment or disrespect by staff
- Barriers to participating
- Any other concern related to Oceana’s work
How to submit a grievance:
- Speak to your local field representative
- Call or WhatsApp: 610-4874
- Drop a written complaint in the Grievance Box at meetings/workshops
What happens next?
Grievances submitted via WhatsApp or phone are received directly by the project’s Grievance Officer and reviewed by the Grievance Oversight Committee. All messages are logged confidentially and securely into the grievance tracking system. If a response is requested and contact information is provided, the Grievance Officer will follow up with the complainant within a specified timeframe. Anonymous messages are also reviewed and addressed to the extent possible based on the information provided. All grievances are treated with confidentiality and respect.
Your grievance will be acknowledged within 10 working days.
A response will be shared within 25 working days.
Your identity will be kept confidential if you request it.
No one will face punishment for raising a genuine concern.
We are committed to fairness, inclusion, and ensuring your voice is respected.
