Clean Coast Outer Hebrides is teaming up with renowned marine biologist and broadcaster, Monty Halls, as part of the official launch of his Big Blue Bag initiative.
The launch takes place at a special a beach clean at Garry Beach on Lewis from 11am to 1pm today (Monday).
Monty Halls will be presenting a Big Blue Bag conservation kit to the Celan Coast group.
He is supported by HX (previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, the Norwegian cruiseliner company whose ships often visit the Hebrides) for the project.
Monty Halls said: “By providing the tools and knowledge needed to protect our seas, we are creating a global movement of ocean stewards.”
He says the initiative will “not only raise awareness but will empower local coastal communities in the UK to take ownership of their marine environments.”
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides is welcoming volunteers to attend saying: “This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, help us tackle beach pollution, and meet Monty Halls himself and hear about the Big Blue Bag.
“If you're keen to be part of the story and share your passion for conservation, we’d love to have you there.”
The bag contains easy-to-follow protocols, enabling participating groups ants to
collect vital data on marine health including microplastic pollution, species biodiversity,
water temperature, and coastal debris.
The collected data will be uploaded to a global, open-access database, contributing
to vital research that informs conservation efforts around the world.
Monty Halls said the idea is simple – to get as many local people, of all ages and experience levels, sampling their own shallow seas and coastal regions. Then they put those results into an app, creating a global database.
The aim is to create not only data, but also the scientists, conservationists, and ocean advocates of tomorrow.
TV marine biologist Monty Halls launching 'Big Blue Bag' initiative on Lewis beach
14 April 2025