#TeamSeas global campaign collects 15 million kg of trash
YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober spearhead initiative
In a monumental effort to combat ocean pollution, Ocean Conservancy has announced the successful removal of over 15 million kilograms of trash from oceans, beaches, and rivers worldwide.
This achievement comes from the #TeamSeas campaign, spearheaded by YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober in collaboration with environmental NGOs like The Ocean Cleanup.
Launched in October 2021, the campaign raised an impressive $30 million in just 65 days, drawing support from more than 400,000 individual donors globally.
Over 40,000 channels across various social media platforms joined forces, including prominent influencers such as Marques Brownlee, AzzyLand, and LinusTechTips, generating a staggering 1.3 billion views through #TeamSeas-tagged content.
Nicholas Mallos, Vice President of Ocean Conservancy’s plastics programme, said: “I cannot tell you how many times over the past three years I have mentioned to new acquaintances what kind of work we do, and their eyes pop when they recognise us from the #TeamSeas campaign.
“The reach has been phenomenal, and it is a testament to the power of creators and how much this issue resonates with people. No matter where you live, you can be sure that plastic pollution impacts you, and the ocean is ground zero for this crisis.”
73 countries
The campaign saw 2,000 cleanups across 73 countries, mobilising 172,000 volunteers. Locations ranged from the remote Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles to the ecologically vital Cape York in Australia.
Ocean Conservancy, known for its leadership in the International Coastal Cleanup since 1986, leveraged its extensive network to orchestrate these efforts.
Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, reflected on the campaign’s success, emphasising the collective effort of the YouTube community in tackling environmental challenges. Mark Rober, co-founder and NASA engineer turned YouTuber, underscored the critical role of cleanups in addressing plastic pollution.
Scientists estimate that millions of metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, posing severe threats to marine life and ecosystems. The success of #TeamSeas underscores the growing influence of digital creators in driving environmental action and cultural change.
As the campaign concludes, the focus shifts to sustained efforts to reduce plastic production and improve waste management globally. With ongoing initiatives like the International Coastal Cleanup, Ocean Conservancy continues to lead the charge against ocean pollution.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.signuptocleanup.org
Featured image: Trash was removed from oceans, beaches, and rivers worldwide, including Bangladesh. Credit: Kewkradong/Ocean Conservancy
