Our Vision: A healthy marine environment free of plastic pollution.
Our Mission: Reduce oceanic plastic pollution through Research, Innovation, and Direct Action.
Our Mission: Reduce oceanic plastic pollution through Research, Innovation, and Direct Action.
Upcoming Event:
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Over a Decade of Impact
2,013 Volunteers & 60,298 Pounds of Debris Removed
Since 2012, Clean Oceans International has been on a mission to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans. Thanks to the dedication of OVER 2,000 incredible volunteers, we've successfully removed 60,298 pounds of debris (over 30 TONS!) from our shorelines, rocky coasts, and waters.
This milestone reflects more than just numbers—it represents the power of community, the impact of collective action, and our unwavering commitment to cleaner, healthier oceans. Every piece of debris collected is a step towards a future where marine life thrives, beaches stay pristine, and our waters remain plastic-free. Join us as we continue this journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, your support makes waves of change possible. Thank you to every volunteer who’s been part of this effort. Together, we’re making a difference—one cleanup at a time. |
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1.8 Million Reached: A Social Media Boost for Clean Oceans!
Thanks to a generous shout-out from YouTuber Any_Austin, who highlighted COI Education Director David Schwartz's 1983 master’s thesis, COI has now reached over 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE! The response has been incredible—donations have been 'streaming' in (see what we did there 😉), and our mailing list has grown by leaps and bounds. This is our version of ‘going viral,’ and we couldn’t be more thrilled! We’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity and can’t wait to keep you updated on how these donations are fueling our fight against plastic pollution. A huge thank you to Any_Austin! |
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TRASH WARRIOR / VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE!
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Recent Events:
Shore to Shore: A Student's Look at Local Beach Pollution
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For her Cabrillo College “Action for Sustainability” course, Environmental Science major Leah Moos partnered with Clean Oceans International to explore the connection between beach cleanups, data collection, and community behavior. Using COI’s Environmental Plastic Assessment Program (EPAP), Leah surveyed both Seacliff State Beach and Santa Cruz Beach, comparing the quantity and types of plastic debris found.
Santa Cruz Beach, despite having far more trash bins, had over three times the amount of plastic as Seacliff—a trend Leah attributes to differences in visitor demographics and levels of community connection. She concluded that stronger community engagement, especially through youth education, is key to reducing long-term marine pollution. “Cleanups are important,” she wrote, “but real change happens when we change behavior—starting with education and stewardship at a young age.” |
ES-50 Student Leah Moos, COI Education Director, and SuperDog Alvin at Cabrillo's Earth Day 2025
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Spring 2025 EPAP Training:
Cowell Beach EPAP Survey Spring 2025
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Seacliff St. Beach EPAP Survey Spring 2025
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Rio Del Mar Beach EPAP Survey Spring 2025
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In Spring 2025, Clean Oceans International (COI) returned to Cowell Beach for the sixth consecutive semester as part of our ongoing Environmental Plastic Assessment Program (EPAP) in collaboration with Cabrillo College’s Environmental Science program. This semester, we expanded our efforts to include new survey sites at Rio Del Mar and Seacliff State Beaches.
Through these hands-on, semester-long Community Research Projects, students investigate seasonal trends in plastic debris composition and density, while building valuable skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and science communication. The program supports students pursuing careers in ocean advocacy and environmental science by offering real-world research experience and professional development opportunities. |
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Ulithi Youth Leaders Collaboration:
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Other Events:
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Visit to PDO/Agri-PlasWe took a field trip to Oregon to visit our partner at PDO Technologies and their partner Agri-Plas. It was an incredibly educational visit where we learned the details of what it takes to operate an agricultural plastics recycling business ==> addressing agricultural waste plastic. We were impressed with the amount of plastic that these companies are keeping out of our landfills and we are working to set up another U.S. location soon!
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COI's Equity Vision:
COI is dedicated to building an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports everyone. We strive to create a culture of continuous growth and learning, regularly evaluating and updating our policies and practices to remove systemic barriers and foster fairness. We are committed to empowering individuals from all backgrounds to thrive and contribute their best efforts toward our mission.
Ways you can support Clean Oceans International
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