Healthy Seas Unveils Impactful Initiatives and Milestones in 2023 Activity Report

Netherlands – March 12, 2024 – Healthy Seas, a global leader in marine conservation, proudly presents its 2023 Activity Report, showcasing significant achievements and ambitious plans for the future. Through relentless dedication and collaboration, the foundation continues to lead efforts in preserving our oceans and combating marine litter.

Key Highlights:

• Marine litter recovered: In 2023, Healthy Seas recovered 86.5 tons of waste, bringing the total to 991 tons of fishing nets and other marine litter removed since 2013. This weight is equivalent to the weight of 6.4 blue whales, the largest animal on earth, or 225 orcas.
• Expansion Beyond Europe: Healthy Seas solidifies its presence in key regions outside Europe, notably in Asia and the United States, marking a pivotal step in global marine conservation eff
• Education Pillar Growth: A record engagement surge, with four times more children and adults participating in educational initiatives compared to previous years, underscores Healthy Seas’ commitment to empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
• Celebrating a Decade: Commemorating ten years of unwavering commitment to marine conservation, Healthy Seas unites partners worldwide in a celebration of shared dedication and collective impact.
• Ambitious New Projects: Embarking on groundbreaking initiatives leveraging accumulated expertise and insights, Healthy Seas reaffirms its dedication to pushing boundaries and pioneering solutions in the fight against marine litter.

Expanding Impact:

In 2023, Healthy Seas conducted cleanup operations globally, ensuring the removal of abandoned fishing nets and marine debris from oceans worldwide. Notable efforts in California, Hong Kong, and South Korea spotlight the foundation’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems. With 550 volunteer divers contributing 257 diving days, the foundation removed ghost fishing gear alongside Ghost Diving, symbolizing its dedication to marine ecosystem preservation.

Empowering Future Generations:

Through unprecedented growth in educational initiatives, Healthy Seas engaged nearly 15,000 individuals worldwide in collaborative programs focused on raising awareness about marine litter, climate change, circular economy, and sustainable consumption. By empowering the next generation, Healthy Seas cultivates a global network of environmental stewards committed to ocean conservation.

Pioneering Solutions:

Prevention stands as a cornerstone of Healthy Seas’ mission, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of marine litter. Through circular economy principles and partnerships with industry stakeholders, the foundation advocates for responsible waste management and sustainable product choices, striving to ‘close the tap’ of marine pollution.

Looking Ahead:

As Healthy Seas reflects on its achievements in 2023, the foundation announces novel operations, including the exploration of historical underwater sites in the high seas and addressing the pressing issue of ghost farms. With an array of missions planned alongside global partners, Healthy Seas is poised to expand its reach and engage with new audiences, prioritizing education and prevention initiatives in its ongoing efforts for marine conservation.

Director’s Quote:

Veronika Mikos, Director of the Healthy Seas Foundation, remarks, “Ten years ago, we pioneered efforts to tackle ghost nets and marine litter. Today, we continue to lead thanks to incredible international partners that connect different parts of the world, different industries, and marine litter to circular economy and to the public. We invite more partners to join us in our mission to preserve our oceans and combat marine litter.“

Here’s the Link to our report:

https://www.healthyseas.org/assets/uploads/2024/03/Healthy-Seas-Report-2023-final-compressed.pdf