One wave can start a movement. Scotland’s west coast is breathtaking, wild, and rich with life—but beneath the surface, it’s drowning in man-made debris. Abandoned fishing nets, lines, and plastic waste are strangling marine ecosystems, and we’re not standing by. The One Wave Project is just the beginning. Over three total days, we’ll remove, repurpose, and rethink how we tackle ocean pollution—pushing for real, lasting change. And this is just the start. Our partnership with Neptune’s Pirates UK is growing, and we’re going big. The next step? Scaling up, reaching further, and making an even greater impact.
An Ocean Of Ghost Gear
Each year, 25 million pots, 14 billion hooks, nearly 740,000 km of fishing lines, and enough nets to cover Scotland enter our oceans, forming deadly traps for marine life. Ghost gear is considered the deadliest form of marine plastic debris, killing over 136,000 seals and whales annually and entangling more than 700 species.Its persistence exacerbates the plastic pollution crisis, threatening biodiversity and damaging ocean ecosystems.
Introducing Project One Wave
Led by Seashell and Neptune’s Pirates, Project One Wave aims to unite Scotland’s most dedicated ocean conservation groups, businesses, creatives, and policymakers to collaborate on marine debris cleanup efforts.
This project is a powerful collaboration, combining Neptune’s Pirates UK’s frontline expertise with Seashell's extensive marine conservation network and ongoing efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution in Scotland. Neptune’s Pirates UK lead hands-on operations with professional divers and dedicated volunteers, conducting beach cleanups and ghost gear recovery. Seashell strengthens the impact by connecting key organisations and experts, expanding reach and influence. Together, we turn strategy into action, delivering real impact for the ocean.
We’ll be in excellent company, joining forces with carefully selected stakeholders to pool our knowledge, resources, and passion. Together, we’ll create actionable solutions for marine conservation and drive innovation in addressing the critical challenges our ocean faces.
The Two-Day Mission This May
Day One: The Remote Beach Cleanup
Armed with determination and teamwork, volunteers will embark on a mission to a remote beach off Scotland’s west coast , identified as a major ghost gear hotspot. With the help of Selkie, a military-grade landing craft, plus 4 other volunteer vessels, teams will recover abandoned nets, plastic debris, and discarded fishing gear—removing hazards that pose a lethal risk to marine life.
Day Two: Sorting & Repurposing
The work doesn’t end at collection. Once the debris is recovered, volunteers will gather at Inverkip to sort, clean, and prepare the waste. This crucial step ensures that materials are handled responsibly, with a focus on recycling and upcycling to keep them out of the ocean for good.
Why This Matters
Ocean pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a crisis that affects biodiversity, the health of coastal communities, and even the global climate. By tackling marine debris at its source, the One Wave Project is setting a powerful example for conservation efforts across the UK and beyond.
Be The Wave Of Change
The ocean belongs to all of us, and its survival depends on collective action.
📢 Follow news of the One Wave Project on Instagram and get involved today by sharing our mission!
💰 Can you help fund this project? Contact David@seashellcsc.com for the full presentation.
Come and join us!
Join us every Saturday at 10am at the Fittie end of Aberdeen beach for invigorating dips in the sea. The refreshing waters will not only revitalize your body but also uplift your spirits, offering a perfect blend of mental clarity and physical well-being.
For updates on volunteering at beach cleans, joining adventure days, and other upcoming events please see our social media pages.
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