After three years of international effort, the #TeamSeas campaign, led by YouTubers MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Mark Rober, has officially concluded — with a record-breaking result: more than 15 million kilograms of trash removed from the world’s oceans, rivers, and beaches.
A Viral Movement with Real-World Impact
Launched in October 2021, #TeamSeas quickly became a digital phenomenon. In just 65 days, the campaign raised $30 million from over 400,000 individual donors and 40,000 online creators. Videos under the hashtag #TeamSeas amassed an astonishing 1.3 billion views, turning social media awareness into tangible environmental action.
Among the creators who joined the movement were Marques Brownlee, AzzyLand, Sofia Nygaard, Dhar Mann, LinusTechTips, Alan Walker, The Infographics Show, Colin & Samir, and TommyInnit. Together, they helped amplify the message about the global threat of marine plastic pollution, one of the most urgent environmental challenges of the century.
According to Nicholas Mallos, Vice President of Ocean Conservancy’s Plastics Program, the campaign’s impact extended far beyond fundraising. “#TeamSeas proved that digital creators can mobilize millions of people to take action on a global issue,” he said.
Real Results from Global Collaboration
Under the coordination of Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup, the campaign organized nearly 2,000 cleanup operations across 73 countries, mobilizing 172,000 volunteers. These efforts reached vital ecosystems such as Anegada (British Virgin Islands), Aldabra (Seychelles), Cape York (Australia), Alaska, and the Florida Keys.
MrBeast praised the united effort, saying, “If we keep this momentum going, we can make a massive difference.” Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, echoed the sentiment, calling plastic pollution “one of the greatest environmental battles of our time.”
The Ongoing Battle Against Plastic Pollution
Scientists estimate that each year, around 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans from land-based sources — equivalent to dumping one garbage truck every minute. Over time, this waste breaks down into microplastics that contaminate not just marine life but also humans, who unknowingly inhale and ingest them.
Research by Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto found that the average American adult consumes up to 3.8 million microplastic particles annually from protein-based foods alone.
A Legacy of Awareness and Action
Beyond the tons of waste removed, the greatest success of #TeamSeas may be its ability to inspire a new generation of environmental advocates. Co-founder Matt Fitzgerald noted that millions of young people were drawn to the cause through the campaign’s blend of science, storytelling, and digital activism.
However, experts stress that cleanups are only part of the solution. To end the plastic crisis, the world must focus on reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling systems, and enforcing stronger environmental policies to protect marine ecosystems.
As part of this ongoing mission, Ocean Conservancy will once again host the International Coastal Cleanup in September 2024, marking its 39th year of global volunteer action. Those interested in continuing the #TeamSeas legacy can join the effort by registering at SignUpToCleanUp.
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