From surfers to plastic collectors, meet five changemakers restoring our ocean; one wave, dive, and cleanup at a time.
“There is still a gap in people’s understanding of how important the ocean is; how vital to our lives, to our ability to breathe. The health of the ocean is ultimately the health of us - and a sick ocean equals sick humanity.”
These are the words of Chris Hines, 63, lifelong surfer and founder of Surfers Against Sewage, whose work has helped shape some of the UK’s most successful ocean protection efforts.
The ocean covers more than 70 percent of our planet. It gives us oxygen, regulates our climate, and provides food and jobs to billions.
And yet, it remains one of the most misunderstood and mistreated parts of our environment. Plastic pollution, overfishing, rising temperatures, and bottom trawling threaten its delicate balance, as well as our future.
This World Oceans Day - celebrated on Sunday, June 8 - we’re profiling five people dedicated to restoring the health of our ocean and the communities that depend on it. From plastic collectors and activists to entrepreneurs, these ‘ocean heroes’ are rolling up their sleeves to protect our ocean. We hope they inspire you.
From tattoo artist to environmental guardian: Haris in Indonesia
Once a tattoo artist, Haris’ life took a turn when a fire destroyed his home and shop, where he lived with his wife and five children.
While selling salvageable items at a local Plastic Bank branch, one of Ocean Bottle’s partners in Indonesia, he discovered the value of recyclable materials and the urgent need to keep plastic out of the ocean.
“I used to have limited knowledge about plastic pollution,” he says. “But the more I learn, the stronger my passion grows for protecting the environment.”
Since 2021, Haris, now 43, has collected up to 100kg of plastic waste each week from riverbanks and his local beach. Often, his cleanups are paired with surf sessions. “I love the ocean because both me and my children share a common hobby of surfing,” he says. “Sometimes we go out for a session and bring back plastic waste with us.”
What began as a way to make ends meet has become a calling. “I don’t like to see people litter. It poses a threat to marine animals and nature. I hope more people become aware of the importance of preserving the ocean from plastic pollution.”
Diving deep to protect the ocean: Rini from Indonesia
Rini, a young woman living on Indonesia’s Bangka Island, grew up surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Coral Triangle, an area located in the western Pacific Ocean.
When plastic pollution increased and began to threaten her hometown, she decided to take action. In 2022, she joined CleanHub, collecting plastic waste and raising environmental awareness in her community.
Through her work, Rini was able to fund her university education. She also discovered free diving through CleanHub’s network, quickly developing a deep passion for the underwater world.
“[I was taught how to] dive in exchange for helping collect marine waste that’s deeper underwater,” she says.
Today, Rini is pursuing full-time university studies; an opportunity partially made possible by the income she earned through CleanHub.
From surfer to activist: Chris in Cornwall
Chris Hines has been drawn to the sea since childhood. “I’ve surfed ever since I was four or five,” he says. At 63, he’s spent most of his life within a mile of the coast. “It’s a big part of who I am.”
In the 1990s, Chris and his friends were surfing through sewage. “We were getting ill, and we were righteously outraged.” Surfers Against Sewage was formed - one of the UK’s original Ocean campaigning organisations - to fight back, pushing for change all the way to Parliament. “We weren’t going to back down."
That spirit of resistance still drives him today.
“This is the deal: We get to live here and enjoy the environment—we’re incredibly lucky. And therefore we should give something back. There is still a gap in people’s understanding of how important the ocean is. A sick ocean equals sick humanity.”
For Chris, protecting the sea is about survival, love, connection—and building a future worth leaving behind.
His message is simple but urgent: “Pause. Slow down. Think. Connect and act! Do something!”
A feminist’s fight for a cleaner future: Hanan in Egypt
Hanan, a 40-year-old mother of three in Egypt, joined Ocean Bottle’s partner Plastic Bank in search of stable work to support her family. In an industry often dominated by men, she found more than just a job: she found a safe and inclusive environment where her efforts are valued, and she’s working to clean up the community where her kids grow up.
Each day, Hanan collects discarded plastic that would otherwise pollute her community and eventually the ocean, giving it new life through recycling.
With the income she earns, Hanan is now able to plan for a brighter future, starting with making sure all her children complete their education.
Ocean advocacy with pride: Luke in Cornwall
Luke, 33, Ocean Bottle’s Marketing Manager, works remotely from Cornwall, a place where his love for the sea runs deep. After years living away, returning to the coast reminded him of his connection with the ocean, but something was missing: community. “I was struck by how hard it still was to connect with other queer people in a more rural setting,” he says.
That changed in 2022, when he joined Queer Surf Club, a community founded by his friend Frazer to create a welcoming, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people through surfing.
“Our meetups are all about supporting each other,” Luke says, adding that the club had more than 100 members today.
Luke’s job at Ocean Bottle and the club have brought the ocean even closer to him. “The more we raise awareness of the harm being done, and encourage people to respect and connect with the ocean, the more likely they are to fight for its future.”.
