At DiveAssure, we believe that protecting the ocean is a shared responsibility and an ongoing commitment. That’s why we were proud to sponsor the ‘Sea the Change’ summer campaign, a global initiative led by the Reef-World Foundation and Green Fins to promote sustainable snorkelling, raise awareness and encourage real-world action to protect the oceans.
Over the past two months, we have seen an extraordinary wave of effort and enthusiasm from individuals, dive centres and communities across the globe. From coral reefs to rivers to inland towns, people have come together to make a difference to the ocean, and we are incredibly proud to have been part of that journey.
Whether you picked up trash, shared stories online, joined the Reef World webinar, or simply spread the word—thank you. You were part of something powerful.
What We Achieved Together
The first Sea the Change campaign produced tangible results and had a global reach, providing plenty of inspiration. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- A Green Fins “Making Waves” webinar, spotlighting experts in sustainable snorkelling and marine protection, and sharing practical tools for responsible travel and tourism.
- The Sea the Change Cleanup Challenge saw participants from around the world remove a total of 342.9 kilograms of rubbish from beaches, dive sites, riverbanks, parks and local communities.
- There was also a wave of inspiring stories and images on social media showing the powerful impact of community-led conservation.
We at DiveAssure committed to donating $10 for every kilogram of rubbish collected, amplifying the effect of every clean-up effort with the funds going towards supporting the coral reef protection work of The Reef-World Foundation. Together, we turned pollution into purpose.
A Global Community in Action
The diversity of people and places involved is what made this campaign so special. Divers, snorkellers, ecotourists, students and families joined in, not just from tropical coastlines but from inland cities and towns too.
The campaign served as a reminder that rubbish does not have to originate near the ocean to end up there. Rivers and waterways act as conduits, carrying plastic waste from far inland directly to the sea. By tackling pollution at every stage of its journey — from streets to streams to reefs — we can take meaningful steps towards improving the long-term health of our oceans.
Celebrating the Cleanup Challenge Champions
We were amazed by your creativity, effort, and enthusiasm—but two participants truly stood out in this year’s challenge.
Most Trash Collected: Aqua Dive & Water Sports, Maldives
This dedicated team removed an incredible 180.5 kilograms of waste from the Naifaru House Reef, showing just how impactful local cleanup efforts can be when driven by commitment and community spirit.
Most Unusual Find: Ceningan Divers, Indonesia
During their cleanup, the team discovered what appeared to be a bag of pillow or duvet stuffing—a quirky reminder that marine debris comes in all forms, and sometimes even the ocean needs a nap. Their sense of humor and sharp eyes earned them the top spot in this unique category.
Congratulations to both teams for their outstanding contributions.
Inland Cleanups Matter Just as Much
One of the core messages of Sea the Change was that marine conservation isn’t limited to divers or coastal communities. Many of the most impactful cleanups happened far from the ocean, proving that everyone can play a role in protecting our planet—no matter where they live.
Inland pollution affects both our drinking water and marine ecosystems. Plastics and chemicals that enter rivers and waterways flow downstream, ultimately ending up in the ocean. By stopping pollution at its source, we protect ecosystems at every level—from forests and rivers to coral reefs and coastal communities.
This Is Just the Beginning
At DiveAssure, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that not only protect the marine environment but also empower divers, travelers, and local communities to be part of the solution.
Sea the Change was an important reminder of how much can be achieved when we work together—and how essential it is to stay involved beyond the campaign. Whether it’s by leading your own cleanup, making sustainable travel choices, or spreading the word about reef-friendly practices, you can continue to make waves for our ocean.
Thank You for Being Part of the Wave
Thank you to everyone who took part in Sea the Change. It was your passion, energy and commitment that turned a campaign into a movement. To our partners at the Reef-World Foundation and Green Fins: thank you for leading the way and showing us what can be achieved when conservation meets community.
Let’s maintain this momentum. Let’s continue working towards cleaner seas, healthier reefs and a future in which our oceans thrive.
We’ve seen the change, and now it’s time to continue being the change.
Let’s continue to clean up and protect our ocean—one piece of trash at a time.
Discover more about the #SeaTheChange challenge here.