What is The SeaCleaners Project?
Created in 2016 by Franco-Swiss skipper Yvan Bourgnon, The SeaCleaners is on a mission to protect oceans and aquatic environments from plastic pollution. This non-profit organization, recognized as being of public utility and registered since 2019, tackles the plastic crisis both at sea and on land. The SeaCleaners develop actions that focus on long-term conservation of the oceans, aiming to reduce marine plastic pollution through innovative technology, local partnerships, and community engagement. Their work is supported by memberships and collaborations, including being a Member Observer of the UN Environment Agency and receiving backing from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes The SeaCleaners stand out:
- 3-year waste collection expeditions targeting the world’s most polluted areas, with scientific support.
- Use of cutting-edge technology like Mobula boats and floating barriers to collect plastic before it breaks down into microplastics.
- Mobula 8.2 and Mobula 10 vessels designed for rapid, efficient clean-up in coastal, estuarine, and inland waters.
- Partnerships with local organizations to ensure collected waste is properly processed, recycled, or reused with full traceability.
- Environmental Council of scientific and technical experts guiding project development for maximum impact.
- Awareness campaigns in Switzerland, France, and abroad to mobilize citizens, companies, and institutions.
- International advocacy to raise awareness, share results, and influence public policy for sustainable change.
How The SeaCleaners Operate Their Expeditions
The SeaCleaners’ expeditions are built to last. They don’t just swoop in, collect plastic, and disappear. Instead, they empower local communities to keep the momentum going long after the teams leave. Using innovative vessels like the Mobula 8.2 and Mobula 10, they clean up floating debris and even liquid pollutants such as oil. The Mobula 8.2 is compact and versatile, perfect for quick deployment in sensitive environments, while the Mobula 10 is a high-performance catamaran capable of handling tough conditions with waves up to 1.5 meters and currents up to 5 knots. These boats collect debris up to 40 cm deep, even in areas overgrown with invasive plants, making them powerful tools for targeted interventions.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Beyond the boats and technology, The SeaCleaners put a huge emphasis on community involvement. Volunteers play a crucial role, bringing their time, skills, and energy to the cause. Awareness-raising campaigns are run across multiple countries, including Switzerland and France, to educate and mobilize citizens, companies, and institutions. The goal? To change behaviors and inspire collective action against plastic pollution. It’s not just about cleaning up—it’s about preventing pollution at its source through education and public awareness initiatives.
Transparency and Waste Management
One of the standout features of The SeaCleaners’ approach is transparency. Every piece of plastic collected is tracked from collection to recycling. They partner with organizations like Plastiks and certified European recyclers to ensure full traceability. This means donors, partners, and the public can see exactly how waste is processed, recycled, or reused. Regular updates keep everyone informed about the impact of each expedition, reinforcing trust and accountability in their mission.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Protecting marine ecosystems by reducing plastic pollution.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting circular economy through recycling and reuse.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Supporting environmental sustainability and reducing ocean pollution.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with local communities, governments, and NGOs.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Raising awareness and educating the public on plastic pollution.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ocean Conservation
The SeaCleaners continue to push boundaries with their innovative solutions and community-driven approach. Their international advocacy mission underpins all initiatives, aiming to shift public policy and global behavior towards sustainable action. By sharing scientific research, open data, and real-world results, they inspire a global movement for cleaner oceans. It’s a long journey, but with each expedition, volunteer, and partner, the vision of plastic-free oceans comes a little closer to reality. The fight against ocean plastic pollution is far from over—but with projects like The SeaCleaners, hope is very much alive.
