Get Involved Through Your Support

The Bluefish Society is our donor recognition society!

Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, all individuals who support CMS with a gift of $100 or more will be recognized as part of our Bluefish Society. This new approach enables us to honor those who have helped position UNCW as the state’s premier coastal university.  Donors who contribute $250 or more will also be counted as part of the UNCW Society.
 
Just as Bluefish thrive in schools, Seahawks soar higher together. 

Be part of our school of Bluefish Society donors

Become a Bluefish Member

Each philanthropic leadership level in the Bluefish Society provides unique opportunities to engage with CMS and our community of scholars as well exclusive access to world-renowned scientists, government officials and other environmental experts.

Flying Fish ($100-$249)

Gifts at this level could provide curriculum materials for youth outreach programs like Marine Quest. Bluefish Society participation at this level provides:

• Invitation to Planet Ocean Seminars

Sea Trout ($250 - $499)

Gifts at this level could help purchase specialized pumps for aquariums that house coral and other marine life. Bluefish Society participation at this level provides:

• Invitation to Planet Ocean Seminars
• Special recognition from CMS
• Recognition as a Partner in the UNCW Society

Amberjack ($500-$999)

Gifts at this level could help maintain the small boat fleet used by faculty, students and researchers. Bluefish Society participation at this level provides:

• Invitation to Planet Ocean Seminars
• Special recognition from CMS
• Recognition as an Ambassador in the UNCW Society 

Tuna ($1,000-$2,499)

Gifts at this level could offset travel costs associated with field studies and professional conferences. Bluefish Society participation at this level provides:

• Invitation to Planet Ocean Seminars
• Special recognition from CMS
• A personalized tour of the Center
• Recognition as a Leader in the UNCW Society 

Marlin ($2,500+)

Gifts at this level could provide a graduate fellowship for students conducting research at CMS. Bluefish Society participation at this level provides:

• Invitation to Planet Ocean Seminars
• Special recognition from CMS
• A personalized tour of the Center and invitations to exclusive events
• Recognition as a Visionary in the UNCW Society 

Get involved today 

Contributions to the Bluefish Society provide CMS with a steady source of unrestricted funds, which are indispensable in allowing us to expand our outreach efforts. Unrestricted gifts are more important now than ever before, given the fiscal challenges facing the State of North Carolina and its public universities.

Funding for our outreach programs has been drastically reduced in recent years, largely due to budget cuts within the UNC system and the diminished financial returns from endowments established for CMS. You can help us maintain high-quality, informative outreach programs by "hooking up" with the CMS Bluefish Society.

Remember, bluefish operate most effectively in schools. Please join our "school" of Bluefish Society donors to keep the outreach tradition at CMS afloat. For further details, call us at 910.962.2408.

Become a Bluefish Member

Research, Education, and Outreach - three important ways that CMS benefits the greater Wilmington community through its major outreach programs, such as:

Planet Ocean Seminar Series

CMS offers four distinguished lecture seminars each academic year, featuring prominent speakers from our own faculty and other leading research institutions, from well-known environmental organizations, and from government agencies. See the Planet Ocean schedule here.

Community Participation

CMS scientists and research staff are frequently called upon to provide information and advice on issues that impact the environment locally, regionally, or nationally.