The SeaCleaners in action: retrospective 2023

Here you’ll find a news summary of the actions and highlights of 2023 for the association. Naval engineering, operations in Indonesia, mobilization in the field, science and awareness-raising – it’s been a busy year in terms of news.

To reduce ocean pollution, we need to capture the inflow of plastic waste into the oceans, by also collecting it in rivers, coastal areas and along coastlines. This is the mission of the Mobula boats.
2023 will go down in the history of The SeaCleaners as the year in which we launched our clean-up operations at sea, thanks to the Mobula8, the first of its kind, a boat for collecting plastic waste in calm waters.
Read more about the Mobula saga in articles from 2023.

1. THE MOBULA FLEET EXPANDS!

Good news: the MOBULA 8 will have two little brothers in 2023!
We’re delighted to announce the forthcoming birth of the MOBULA Z (from the MOBULA 8 range) and its big brother the MOBULA 10!
➡️ Read the article: The Mobula fleet expands – January 2023

2. MOBULA8 TAKES TO THE WATER IN BALI

This is it! After 6 months of intense preparatory work, our 1st aquatic clean-up campaign in Indonesia is finally underway.
The campaign kicked off with the official inauguration of the very first MOBULA 8 on Monday March 20, at the marina in the port of Benoa, Bali.
➡️ Read the article: Mobula8 launches in Bali – March 2023

3. THE MOBULA, SERVING SCIENCE

Deployed in Indonesia since March 2023, the MOBULA 8, our clean-up boat for inland and coastal waters, has more than one string to its bow! In addition to its mission of cleaning up floating aquatic waste, it will also be contributing to scientific knowledge on plastic pollution, thanks to two partnerships with the CLS company and the University of Udayana (Bali).
➡️ Read the article: Mobula, serving science – May 2023

4. THE MOBULA, A PIONEER IN THE FIELD

Now in its 6th month, our pilot project to clean up Bali’s rivers and calm waters is in full swing. Carried by the MOBULA 8, our first multi-purpose water pollution control boat, it will enable The SeaCleaners to significantly improve its means of combating plastic pollution in the most impacted areas, while preparing for the MANTA’s future operations.
➡️ Read the article: the Mobula, breaking new ground – September 2023

5. MOBULA SOON TO LEAVE THE YARD

The SeaCleaners’ relentless efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution are taking on a new dimension: the next Mobula 8 and 10 are almost here!
It is with undisguised pride that The SeaCleaners announces the completion of the construction of the 2 future Mobula 8 and 10. We recall the existence of our Mobula 8, already operational in Denpasar, Bali, for almost a year…
➡️ Read the article: Mobula soon to leave the yard – November 2023

6. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOBULA8.2 and MOBULA10?

Discover the features of the Mobula8 and Mobula10 in our test bench.
➡️ Read the article: Mobula 8.2 and Mobula 10: What are the differences? The test bench – December 2023

Defining the operational and scientific roadmap, consolidating the model and financial plan, but also testing full-scale collection systems… 2023 was a structuring year for the Manta project, following its in-principle approval in 2022 and the launch of the shipyard consultation process.
Here’s a recap of the key moments:

1. SELECTION OF THE MANTA SHIPYARD: CONSULTATION PROCESS UNDERWAY

They didn’t know it, but it’s THE news all MANTA fans have been waiting for: the RFI has been launched! Behind these initials lies an essential milestone in the consultation process that will enable us to select the shipyard that will build the MANTA: the Request for Interest.
➡️ Read the article: MANTA shipyard selection: the consultation process is underway – November 2022

2. 1ST SUCCESSFUL SEA TOUR FOR MANTA’S SURFACE WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEMS

Surface collection systems are central to the mission of collecting floating macro-waste from the future ambassador boat for marine pollution control. Hundreds of hours of research and development have gone into their conception, design, hooking systems, flotation and opening systems… to maximize their efficiency in collecting waste.
➡️ Read the article: 1st successful sea tour for MANTA’s surface waste collection systems

3. MANTA, MOBULA, AWARENESS… HOW WAS THE Z EVENT MONEY USED?

In September 2022, The SeaCleaners had the privilege of being one of the 4 beneficiary associations of the Z Event, the largest online charity event in the international gaming world. Nine months on, we take stock of how these funds have been used to help reduce plastic pollution and protect the oceans.
➡️ Read the article: Manta, Mobula, awareness… How was the Z Event money used? – June 2023

4. NEW CONCLUSIVE SEA TRIALS FOR MANTA’S FLOATING WASTE SURFACE COLLECTION SYSTEMS

Today, in June 2023, 2nd series of tests and we’re there: the nets are validated, ready to be integrated!
➡️ Read the article: New conclusive sea trials for the Manta’s floating waste surface collection systems – July 2023

1. THE WASTE LIFT: DIVERS’ NEW ALLY IN PRESERVING THE OCEANS

For years, divers have been using lifting parachutes to bring heavy loads to the surface. MANTA INNOVATION, The SeaCleaners’ integrated engineering office, has seized on this proven concept to develop an entirely new solution for collecting submerged waste. Discover the Waste Elevator!
➡️ Read the article: The Waste Lift: divers’ new ally in preserving the oceans – April 2023

2. ARCACHON: EUROPE’S LARGEST COLLECTION OF UNDERWATER WASTE

It was Europe’s biggest underwater waste collection: organized by NSA and carried out by over 200 volunteer divers in the Arcachon basin on October 7, NSA Day brought up nearly 500 liters of waste in volume (glass bottles, cans), dozens of kilos of fishing equipment (cables, nets, hooks) and oyster farming equipment. The divers were equipped with Belubag, the underwater collection bag developed by Manta Innovation, the naval engineering office of The SeaCleaners association. Heavy objects were brought to the surface by the waste elevator, another innovation from Manta Innovation’s research.
➡️ Read the article: Arcachon: Europe’s largest underwater waste collection – October 2023

Our teams and volunteers are on the ground, motivated to take action on land to stem plastic pollution at sea!

1. A SEASON TO CLEAN UP!

A look back at our spring actions! Our teams are mobilized all over France to raise awareness of waste collection, from Bordeaux to the Hauts-de-France coastline, via Mont-Saint-Michel.
➡️ Read the article: A season to “clean up” – April 2023

2. WE BROKE A SWEAT FOR WORLD OCEAN DAY!

For The SeaCleaners, “WOD” means 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! But that doesn’t stop us from marking the occasion every year, to illustrate the rapid rise and growing mobilization of the anti-ocean plastic pollution community. 11 clean-ups and 600kg of waste collected!
➡️ Read the article: We broke a sweat for World Ocean Day! – June 2023

3. HEXACLEAN DAY: YOUNG FOOTBALLERS COLLECT 300,000 CIGARETTE BUTTS ACROSS FRANCE!

Hundreds of young footballers mobilized in 8 cities across France to collect hundreds of thousands of cigarette butts on HexaCleanDay.
➡️ Read the article: HexaClean Day: young footballers collect 300,000 cigarette butts across France – May 2023

4. MEASURING OUR IMPACT: 231 REASONS TO CELEBRATE IN THE 1ST HALF!

Measuring the impact of our actions and showing concrete results is essential to demonstrate that every gesture counts and that together we are an ocean!
➡️ Read the article: Measuring our impact: 231 reasons to celebrate in the 1st half! – September 2023

5. WORLD CLEANUP DAY: 2682 KG OF WASTE COLLECTED TO ROUND OFF A COMMITTED SUMMER

20 actions carried out, 2682 kg of waste collected, 750 participants: the figures for our actions during this week of World CleanUp Day (September 13 to 17) demonstrate the power of our volunteers, partners and sponsors in the field. A fitting climax to a summer of exceptional mobilization.
➡️ Read the article: World CleanUp Day: 2682 kg of waste collected to conclude this summer of commitment – September 2023

6. LA POSTE FIGHTS BACK AGAINST PLASTIC POLLUTION!

France’s most famous company, La Poste Group, via its Mail and Parcel Services branch, has mobilized en masse in 2023 to help the association in its fight against plastic pollution! 15 clean-ups, almost 4 tonnes of waste were collected in France and overseas, and over 2,000 La Poste Group employees were made aware of the need to protect our oceans – a great success!
➡️ Read the article: La Poste fights back against plastic pollution! – September 2023

7. OCEAN CLEAN-UP IN ACTION: NONSTOP GYM AND THE SEACLEANERS SWISS JOIN FORCES

Swiss sports club chain NonStop Gym has decided to support The SeaCleaners by launching The Blue Wave. Here’s a look back at the success of this operation!
➡️ Read the article: Ocean cleaning in action: NonStop Gym and The SeaCleaners Swiss join forces – November 2023

Understanding and awareness lead to action. We pass on knowledge about ocean protection and plastic pollution in a fun and interactive way, to encourage people to take action.

1. THE SEACLEANERS CELEBRATES SCIENCE IN BALI

Successful awareness-raising operation in Indonesia for The SeaCleaners! During the Fête de la Science, our educational tools opened up a dialogue on plastic pollution and its challenges among all the participants. Here’s a look back at a day rich in encounters, in (we confess) our new favorite office.
➡️ Read the article: The SeaCleaners celebrates science in Bali – February 2023

2. THE BELEM X THE SEACLEANERS PARTNERSHIP

Since 2021, the BELEM Caisse d’Epargne Foundation and THE SEACLEANERS have been working together to raise public awareness of ocean plastic pollution and encourage changes in behavior. During stopovers and sailing courses, our teams are welcomed to offer scientific conferences, actions and awareness-raising times to BELEM visitors and trainees.
➡️ Read the article: Forever Belem – September 2023

3. IT’S ALL FUN & GAMES, SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY: OVERVIEW OF THE SEACLEANERS’ EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

You can learn to fight plastic pollution and protect the oceans! Our role at The SeaCleaners is to give people the desire and the means to take action against plastic pollution. And since we always learn best by doing and having fun, we’ve developed a range of interactive training tools adapted to every age, audience and school cycle.
➡️ Read the article: Games, science and discovery: all The SeaCleaners educational tools – October 2023

4. MICRO-PLASTIQUE: A PODCAST BETWEEN LAUGHTER AND ECOLOGY

“Microplastic” on the horizon!
Our special episode of the Déferlantes podcast is now available, featuring Luciole, Chloé Nabedian, Sarah Samadi and Fred Testot.
➡️ Read the article: Micro-plastic : a video podcast – November 2023

The role of the Scientific Division, supported by the International Scientific Council, is to contribute to global knowledge of plastic pollution, with the ultimate aim of creating change.

1. PLASTIC, FROM OCEAN TO ATMOSPHERE

The ocean is not just a dumping ground for plastic waste. It has also become a major emitter of plastic particles into the atmosphere. This is shown by scientific studies on the little-known phenomenon of plastic aerosolization, which contributes to air pollution.
➡️ Read the article: Plastic, from ocean to atmosphere – March 2023

2. “UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS” OF PLASTICS ON THE OCEAN SURFACE

In 2019, 171,000 billion plastic particles, weighing around 2.3 million tonnes, were floating on the surface of the oceans, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Plos One. The figure is edifying. But the worst is yet to come: the quantity of floating polymers could triple by 2040!
➡️ Read the article: “Unprecedented levels” of plastics on the ocean surface – April 2023

3. GET INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION!

To coincide with the Fête de la Science, The SeaCleaners is launching its participatory science program to help build global knowledge and involve all citizens in the process. Follow the guide!
➡️ Read the article: Citizen Science against plastic pollution! – October 2023

4. GET INVOLVED IN PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION!

The SeaCleaners’ Scientific Advisory Board met in Bali from November 20 to 22, to align the strategy of the scientific division with the international strategy of The SeaCleaners and to address the major challenges of plastic pollution. A meeting at the crossroads of knowledge between scientists specializing in marine debris research.
➡️ Read the article: The Scientific Council anchors its strategy – November 2023

Our battle against plastic pollution is being waged right now, as member countries of the United Nations attempt to find a path towards a legally binding global treaty against plastic pollution. The goal is zero plastic pollution by 2040. The SeaCleaners is participating in the negotiations as an observer member of the United Nations Environment Program.

1. WHAT IS INC-2? WE EXPLAIN!

In March 2022, 175 States passed a historic resolution to negotiate a global treaty against plastic pollution by 2024.
Elise d’Epenoux, Head of International Communications, will be at the negotiating table representing The SeaCleaners as a member of the NGO Coalition.
She tells you all about the stakes and the context of INC2 in this video.
➡️ Read the article: What is INC-2? We explain – May 2023

2. PLASTIC POLLUTION TREATY: AIMING FOR ZERO PLASTIC POLLUTION BY 2040 – THE TIME TO FIGHT IS NOW

INC-3, the third round of negotiations for the UN Plastic Treaty, came to a close on Sunday November 19 after a week of intense, late-night discussions and…more than 500 proposals from governments.
➡️ Read the article: Plastic Pollution Treaty: Target zero plastic pollution by 2040 – November 2023

3. GLOBAL TREATY AGAINST PLASTIC POLLUTION: THE VOICE OF INNOVATION

Global Plastics Treaty target: zero plastic pollution by 2040. The voices of innovation are rising to meet this challenge. The SeaCleaners is at the negotiating table, alongside the Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty (IAGPT), to bring the voice of innovation to the fight against plastic pollution.
➡️ Read the article: Global treaty against plastic pollution: the voice of innovation – November 2023

4. COP28: THE OCEAN, OUR ALLY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING

The SeaCleaners also contributed to the debates at several events: on the French Pavilion, during the session entitled “Fighting plastic waste in the marine environment: zero waste objective. Acting from global to local”. The event was opened by Her Highness Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and concluded by Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion.
➡️ Read the article: COP28: the ocean, our ally in the fight against global warming – December 2023

Our partners are talented! They have joined us this year in our fight to protect the oceans.

1. CABAÏA, A BRAND COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE OCEANS

After an initial successful operation that mobilized over 30,000 of the brand’s customers on their social networks in December, we’ve taken things a step further with Cabaïa’s decision to join The SeaCleaners patrons by making a year-round commitment at our side.
➡️ Read the article: Cabaïa, a brand committed to protecting the oceans – May 2023

2. THE CCI FRANCE-INTERNATIONAL NETWORK: A GROWING PARTNERSHIP

We are infinitely grateful to the CCI FI network for its support, and would like to extend our warmest thanks to all participants, chamber staff and employees of member companies, for their commitment to protecting the oceans.
➡️ Read the article: The CCI France-International network: a growing partnership – June 2023

3. INTERPARFUMS COMMITS TO THE OCEANS WITH THE SEACLEANERS

Interparfums has made a commitment as the association’s “Mécène Privilège”, financing the construction in 2023 of a MOBULA 8, our multi-purpose depollution boat designed to intercept floating waste in rivers, mangroves and along coastal areas.
➡️ Read the article: Interparfums commits to the oceans alongside The SeaCleaners – July 2023

4. LAGARDÈRE TRAVEL RETAIL JOINS THE SEACLEANERS PATRONS!

Between now and the end of the year, the usual virgin plastic bags will be replaced by paper bags, and will be subject to a charge. Profits from these sales will then be donated to The SeaCleaners.
➡️ Read the article: Lagardère Travel Retail joins The SeaCleaners’ patrons! – October 2023

5. TEAM COURBON TAKES PART IN THE TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE 2023 UNDER THE COLORS OF THE SEACLEANERS

After a first successful partnership in 2022, on the occasion of the Route du Rhum, The SeaCleaners and Team Courbon announce the renewal of their partnership for the 2023-2024 sailing season.
➡️ Read the article: Team Courbon takes part in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 under the colors of The SeaCleaners – September 2023

6. VIRTUAL REGATTA: THE SEACLEANERS RACE

The SeaCleaners has teamed up with Virtual Regatta, a multiplayer online game platform for regatta and ocean racing simulation, to organize a virtual race adapted from the Transat Jacques Vabre!
➡️ Read the article: Virtual Regatta – The SeaCleaners Race – October 2023