A new initiative aimed at empowering communities to engage in marine conservation has been announced by HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) in partnership with renowned marine biologist and broadcaster Monty Halls. The project, titled The Big Blue Bag, was unveiled during the inaugural Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) conference, where Halls and HX Foundation chair Tudor Morgan were featured as ‘Inspirational Speakers’.
The Big Blue Bag is designed to encourage individuals of all ages to contribute to the protection of waterways and oceans through citizen science. Participants will receive a specially designed “Big Blue Bag” containing straightforward guidelines for collecting crucial data on marine health, such as microplastic pollution, species biodiversity, water temperature, and coastal debris. The information gathered will be uploaded to a global open-access database, aiding vital research and conservation efforts around the world.
HX Foundation, the charity arm of HX dedicated to driving environmental and community change, is supporting the pilot project with a donation aimed at fostering public engagement in marine conservation. This initiative aligns with HX’s commitment to protecting marine life and raising awareness about environmental challenges.
Monty Halls, founder of The Big Blue Bag, expressed his excitement about the partnership. “We are thrilled to join forces with HX and the HX Foundation,” he stated. “By providing the tools and knowledge needed to protect our seas, we are creating a global movement of ocean stewards. This collaboration will empower local coastal communities in the UK to take ownership of their marine environments.”
The project builds upon initial tests conducted in the Isle of Man, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, where the concept was first developed. The new initiative aims to expand across the UK, with a long-term vision for global outreach. The funding from the HX Foundation will support the creation of a digital platform and the production of more than 50 co-branded Big Blue Bags, which will be distributed to various coastal communities throughout the UK.
The activities associated with The Big Blue Bag echo similar efforts already undertaken by HX on their expedition ships, which include state-of-the-art science centres and hands-on citizen science activities. Each year, HX donates over 1,800 cabin nights to guest scientists, enabling them to participate in meaningful research during their voyages.
Henrik A. Lund, Managing Director of the HX Foundation, highlighted the significance of the project. “We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Monty Halls on The Big Blue Bag project,” he said. “This initiative aligns with our goal of engaging the public in conservation efforts while reinforcing our commitment to protecting marine life. The project serves as a powerful tool for education and action, inspiring individuals to make a meaningful impact.”
This partnership underscores HX Foundation’s leadership in marine preservation and represents a significant step forward in community-driven conservation efforts. With the expertise of Monty Halls and the support of the HX Foundation, The Big Blue Bag is poised to become one of the most exciting citizen science movements in the UK for 2025, delivering tangible benefits for ocean health and biodiversity. For more information on The Big Blue Bag.