[8^th June 2023 – Mullion Cove, nr Helston, Cornwall] The world’s seven seas have been cleaned by diving crews around the globe today in an epic move to tackle the ocean waste plastic problem.  

6 UK divers took part in the global underwater clean up in Mullion Cove, Cornwall this morning, marking World Oceans Day. Part of a 40-strong crew of divers around the world, alongside a tribe of volunteer ocean lovers, they went to depths of 15+ meters across 7 time zones.  

Over the course of 24 hours, 50,000 plastic bottles worth of waste were removed from the ocean. In the UK, members of the crew witnessed plastic pollution caused by beach litter – such as plastic water bottles and e-cigarette casings – along with fishing net debris that can be harmful to marine life.  

The worldwide simultaneous deep-sea clean-up is the work of the 100YR CLEAN UP, an initiative that seeks to fund cleaning the planet of waste every year, for the next 100 years, led by Zero Co and The Hidden Sea – a wine company on a mission to remove 1 billion plastic bottles from the ocean by 2023.  

Diving crews were also deployed in the Pacific Ocean (Sydney, Australia), North Atlantic Ocean (Cornwall, UK), Arctic Ocean (Great Slave Lake, Canada), South Atlantic Ocean (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Indian Ocean (RushiKonda beach, India), the Southern Ocean (Chubut, Argentina) and The Red Sea (Hurghada, Egypt, with the goal to remove the equivalent-in-weight of 50,000 single-use plastic water bottles from oceans across the planet. The plastic collected will be sorted, recycled, and repurposed where possible.  

Co-founder of The Hidden Sea, and chief diver in the North Atlantic, Justin Moran said: “We’re on a high because to clean all seven seas is nothing short of epic. But I also know my fellow divers around the world will face similar depressing underwater scenes today. The problem is out of control, we need to get behind efforts to reverse the tide. I hope that sharing what we’ve witnessed in the ocean, will inspire people to join us in taking action. 

“I dived in the beautiful tourist destination of Mullion Cove, Cornwall, and even though the water looked inviting from the surface, it was sad to see what was hiding under the water. It shows how deeply-rooted the plastic problem is.  

“The Hidden Sea’s goal is to take 1 billion plastic bottles out of the ocean by 2030. By helping to drive forward the 100YR CLEAN UP, we hope to inspire people and businesses to support the initiative and, in the end, simply do what matters: help preserve ocean health.” 

Plastic pollution has risen exponentially over the past few decades, with more than 170 trillion plastic particles now estimated to be floating in our seas.  

This epic global stunt by Zero Co and The Hidden Sea, is just one part of their ambition to fund large-scale rubbish cleanups for the next 100 years. Everyone can get involved. Businesses, and the public, are invited to sponsor a bundle of rubbish which the 100YR CLEANUP will collect on your behalf. Head to www.100yrcleanup.com to join the mission.   

About The Hidden Sea  

The Hidden Sea is a wine brand with a clear promise: for every bottle of The Hidden Sea sold, they remove and recycle the equivalent-in-weight of 10 plastic bottles from the ocean. Since July 2020, they’ve removed over 22 million bottles (371,166 kg) and have the audacious goal of removing 1 billion bottles by 2030. 

UK consumers can pick up vegan-friendly wines from The Hidden Sea – including a Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé, a Chardonnay, a Shiraz, and a Red Blend – from selected Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Booths stores nationwide. 

About Zero Co 

Zero Co is an Australian business on a mission to Untrash the Planet by funding large-scale cleanups and stopping Aussies from using single-use plastic with their refillable products. They founded the 100YR CLEANUP in 2022 and have since been inviting companies from around the world to get involved and co-fund cleanup projects for the next 100 years.

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In 2008, 8 June was officially designated as World Oceans Day, with a new theme introduced each year.

The ocean covers the majority of the Earth’s surface, yet only a small portion of its waters has been explored. Despite humanity’s deep dependence on it, the ocean receives only a fraction of our attention and resources compared to the vast benefits it provides.

Ocean – “If we save the sea, we save our world” ~ David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough is launching what he says is one of the most important films of his career as he enters his hundredth year.

He believes his new, cinema-length film Ocean could play a decisive role in saving biodiversity and protecting the planet from climate change. You can watch the trailer here 👇

Sir David, who was 99 on 8 May, 2025, says: “After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

The ocean is the planet’s support system and humanity’s greatest ally against climate catastrophe, the film argues. It shows how the world’s oceans are at a crossroads.

The film documents how the state of the world’s oceans and our understanding of how they function have changed in the course of Sir David’s lifetime.

Sir David says the state of the ocean has almost made him lose hope for the future of life on the planet. What has kept him from despair is what he calls the “most remarkable discovery of all” – that the ocean can “recover faster than we had ever imagined”.

Sir David’s key message in the Ocean film is that all is not lost. Countries have promised to protect a third of the world’s oceans. He hopes his new film will spur leaders to take firm action on this promise at a UN conference next month.

He believes that could be transformational.

“The ocean can bounce back to life,” Sir David says. “If left alone it may not just recover but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.”

Read the full article from the BBC here: Attenborough at 99 delivers ‘greatest message he’s ever told‘

Ocean is in selected cinemas across the country now and will be available globally on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu from June 8.

Sources: BBC/worldoceanday.org

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Research is highlighting the therapeutic power of blue spaces—the oceans, lakes, rivers, and even fountains and aquariums. This emerging field, often referred to as ‘blue mind’ science, explores how spending time near water can significantly enhance our well-being.

World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on June 8, is not only an opportunity to advocate for the protection of our oceans but also to appreciate their profound impact on our mental and physical health. The ocean’s dynamic and ever-changing nature captivates our senses and offers a unique form of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The calming effect of water lies in its ability to capture our attention effortlessly. For instance, a walk along the beach allows us to witness the constant changes in light and movement, and our gaze softens with the gentle repetition of waves. This experience of tranquillity or awe can be especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety and depression. By shifting focus away from personal worries to the external environment, the ocean helps create a sense of peace and perspective.

Moreover, being near water fosters a deep sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. The vastness of the ocean, its rhythms, and its mysteries evoke a feeling of awe and wonder. This connection can be profoundly grounding, reminding us of our place in the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.

World Ocean Day encourages us to celebrate and protect our oceans, recognizing their critical role not just in maintaining ecological balance but also in nurturing our mental and emotional health. Whether through direct interaction with the sea or simply contemplating its beauty, the ocean offers a sanctuary for our minds, promoting a state of calm and introspection.

As we celebrate World Ocean Day, let us embrace the concept of ‘blue mind’ and acknowledge the oceans as a vital resource for our well-being. By appreciating and safeguarding these blue spaces, we contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier self.

Further reading:

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