Graeme Sommerville looks at how the Eyesea app uses geotagged pictures to chart maritime pollution
The yachting community is acutely aware of the impact of marine pollution. Organisations like Eyesea are stepping up with innovative solutions that allow the yachting community to map, monitor and mitigate waste in our oceans. Founded on the principle that technology and collective effort can drive environmental change, Eyesea has harnessed the power of crowdsourcing to collect vital pollution data from mariners, yachters, and expedition vessels worldwide. Their approach, which combines real-time data submissions with advanced technology such as satellite spectrometry, is setting a new standard for ocean conservation efforts – and allowing everyone to get involved.
Combining tech and community
Eyesea’s mission is simple: gather and analyse pollution data from vessels operating across the globe. Over the past 24 months sailors, yacht crews, commercial mariners and members of the public have taken over 20,000 geo-tag images of waste, oil spills and other contaminants. This data has created a comprehensive and constantly evolving picture of marine pollution hotspots. To enhance the precision and effectiveness of this effort, Eyesea is incorporating satellite spectrometry and other remote sensing technologies, allowing recovery teams to detect pollution beyond the reach of human observation.
By integrating these tools, Eyesea provides governments, conservation groups and local communities with actionable insights, helping them target clean-up operations where they are needed most. Their technology-driven approach not only makes pollution tracking more efficient but also raises awareness among seafarers, encouraging more proactive engagement in marine conservation.
Cleaning pp Antarctica and the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions
One significant partnership for Eyesea is with Aurora Expeditions, a leader in polar adventure travel. Operating in some of the most remote and extreme environments on the planet, Aurora Expeditions has teamed up with Eyesea to identify and recover pollution in Antarctica and the Arctic. The partnership enables Eyesea to collect real-time pollution data from the expedition company’s crew, who traverse these pristine but vulnerable waters. By mapping pollution sightings in these remote regions, Eyesea is contributing to global efforts to mitigate human impact in areas previously thought to be untouched by waste. The pollution mapped and recovered during this collaboration is not only helping to address immediate clean-up needs but will also help shape long-term strategies for minimising pollution in these delicate ecosystems.
Future technological innovations
Looking ahead, Eyesea is advancing its technological infrastructure to enhance the effectiveness of pollution tracking and response. Plans for future development include improved back-end analytics that will offer deeper insights into pollution patterns and sources. Additionally, Eyesea is working on smart communication tools, with partners like Pushologies, to provide real-time alerts and guidance to users on pollution-prone areas. One of the most ambitious upcoming projects is the development of a recycling pickup ordering app, which will allow users in underserved communities to request waste collection services, ensuring that recovered pollution is properly processed and repurposed.
A call to action for the yachting community
Yachting enthusiasts, who often venture into some of the world’s most beautiful and fragile marine environments, are in a unique position to contribute to Eyesea’s mission. By simply using the Eyesea app to report pollution sightings, yacht owners, captains and crew can play a vital role in protecting the waters they cherish. As technology and collaboration continue to drive progress, Eyesea stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the maritime community unites for a common cause. Whether sailing through the Pacific, navigating the polar seas, or cruising along familiar coastlines, every contribution helps to build a cleaner, healthier ocean for future generations.
For those looking to get involved, downloading the Eyesea app and participating in pollution mapping is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference. The fight for cleaner oceans starts with awareness – and with Eyesea, every sailor can become part of the solution. Visit www.eyesea.org
