Our oceans are facing unprecedented threats, including the insidious spread of microplastics, rising sea temperatures, overfishing and the alarming loss of vital habitats. But what if everyone could play a role in understanding and helping to protect these precious ecosystems?
The Big Blue Bag is an exciting new global initiative launched by Monty Halls in partnership with HX Foundation, Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man, Manx Wildlife Trust and other partners. Given our expertise with citizen science projects, Monty asked Natural Apptitude to help develop the data recording app, using Coreo. Empowering citizen scientists of all ages and experience levels, this project provides everyone with the tools to sample coastlines and shallow seas with the aim of building a crucial global database to inform scientists and conservationists and help us protect the marine environment.
Last year the HX Foundation (the charity arm of global expedition cruise operator, HX Expeditions) awarded the Big Blue Bag funding to develop the app and produce 50 Big Blue Bags. The HX Foundation offers grant funding to global conservation and plastic pollution projects twice a year and over 1.68 million EUR have been given in donations since the Foundation started in 2015. The project also had support from the Isle of Man and RED Paddleboards.
Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX and President of the HX Foundation said:
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Monty on The Big Blue Bag project. One of our Foundation’s missions is to support projects that help educate and raise awareness about our vital yet vulnerable ecosystems. Initiatives like The Big Blue Bag are a powerful tool for both education and action – we believe the power lies in getting people hands-on and active. It removes barriers and inspires individuals to make a meaningful impact.
“At HX we believe in the power of education and science for all – it’s at the core of all our expeditions and our Foundation grant funding. We see this project as a wonderful extension of what our guests experience on our expedition trips – but now it’s accessible to all – young and old.”
Eachh Big Blue Bag contains everything you need to conduct four key sampling procedures known as protocols. The four main protocols are:
- Microplastics
- Sea Surface Temperature
- Coastal Debris
- Biodiversity through key indicator species
An additional protocol, 'What did you sea?', encourages you to record any unusual or noteworthy observations, giving you the flexibility to record other interesting and exciting sightings beyond the 4 standardised protocols.
Entering your data is quick and easy. Just follow the steps below:
- Download the free Coreo app
- Select the “Got a Code?” option on the sign in screen
- Enter the Big Blue Bag unique code – VP-553819
- Create an account – the app looks like the image below:
- Click on the Big Blue Bag project symbol when you have registered and you can start entering your data!
'"The Coreo app is very intuitive and user-friendly and the perfect way to empower people of all ages to record their findings. We are so excited to enable people to make a difference and look after their own piece of coastline."
Monty Halls, Founder of Big Blue Bag
Win a Free Big Blue Bag
Monty Halls and HX Foundation are now looking to distribute the bags to different community projects, schools or charities across the UK. To find out more, visit Monty Hall's website and to apply for one of the free 50 bags, fill out an application form here.
By participating in the Big Blue Bag project, you can directly contribute to marine conservation initiatives. You will provide vital data that will shape future conservation projects and help us turn the tide on marine pollution and improve biodiversity for generations to come.