by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Mon May 12, 2025
The HX Foundation is teaming up with broadcaster and marine conservationist Monty Halls to launch a new initiative called the Big Blue Bag.
The citizen science project aims to tackle marine plastic pollution with four easy-to-follow conservation protocols.
Users will be able to collect data on issues like microplastic pollution, species biodiversity, water temperature and coastal debris. After following the protocols, participants can upload their data to Coreo, a global, open-access database.
Each HX Expeditions ship will carry a Big Blue Bag starting this summer, which will allow guests to participate in the more than 250 destinations the company sails to.
“This initiative is about inspiring and educating people, especially the younger generation, to become actively involved in tackling marine environmental issues,” says Halls. “The Big Blue Bag offers practical and easy to follow science that can have an impact on tackling marine and environmental issues which are negatively impacting our rivers, waterways and coastal areas. We’re excited to kick-start this initiative and empower individuals to act and make a difference.”
The initiative received funding by the HX Foundation, the charity arm of HX Expeditions. Since it launched in 2015, the foundation has donated more than $1.8 million to various causes around the world.
“One of our foundation’s missions is to support projects that help educate and raise awareness about our vital yet vulnerable ecosystems,” says Gebhard Rainer, chief executive officer of HX and president of the HX Foundation. “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.”
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