Did you know that over 11 million tonnes of plastic flood into our ocean each year? And at this rate, there will be more plastic than fish in our ocean by 2050 — a shocking reality that affects us all. This isn’t just an environmental statistic, it represents a fundamental shift in our ocean ecosystems that will impact coastal communities, marine tourism and the livelihoods of everyone on the planet who depends on healthy seas.

To put this in perspective, a single plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose, while plastic fishing nets can persist for over 600 years. Every piece of plastic we use today will outlive us, our children and their children, continuing to harm marine life for generations.

This tidal wave of waste poses a triple threat to our planet: global warming from greenhouse gases released during plastic production, the creation of enormous 'dead zones' from islands of floating plastic, and ecological breakdown from microplastics now found in global food chains. When plastic debris reaches the ocean, it gets swept into gyres—massive circular currents that create swirling toxic soups of plastic stretching for kilometres. The largest, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is three times the size of France!

The good news? We can still turn the tide on plastic pollution, but we need to act now.

World Environment Day 2025: The Sea the Change Cleanup Challenge

To protect our ocean and coral reefs, The Reef-World Foundation is launching the Sea the Change Cleanup Challenge from June 6 to July 6, mobilising communities worldwide. With World Environment Day 2025's focus on #BeatPlasticPollution, there's no better time to join our challenge, fight plastic pollution, and make a tangible difference. This challenge, sponsored by DiveAssure, will see them donating $10 to Reef-World for every kilo collected, allowing participants to fundraise, win prizes and actively protect our precious coral reefs.

The Devastating Impact of Plastic Pollution on Coral Reefs

When visiting a coral reef, plastic litter doesn't just spoil the view — it threatens the entire ecosystem. A 2023 study by leading universities found plastic pollution in 92% of the coral reefs they studied. This is especially alarming given that coral reefs are 20 times more likely to be diseased when plastic debris is present.

The damage goes far beyond aesthetics. Plastic pollution triggers specific coral diseases, including white syndrome and black band disease, which can kill entire coral colonies. These diseases spread rapidly through reef systems, creating cascading effects throughout the marine food web. Additionally, discarded fishing equipment and other debris physically damage reefs by snagging on coral structures, breaking fragile branches, and preventing healthy growth and reproduction.

The economic implications are staggering. The economic contribution of tourism to coral reefs is estimated at $36 billion to the global economy each year — this revenue supports millions of jobs in restaurants, hotels, tour operations, transportation companies and more. When plastic pollution degrades these ecosystems, entire communities lose their primary source of income.

Perhaps most concerning is how plastic pollution compounds other threats to coral reefs. As climate change already stresses corals through rising temperatures and ocean acidification, plastic pollution adds another layer of deadly pressure. Microplastics can interfere with coral reproduction, while larger debris blocks sunlight essential for coral photosynthesis.

This is why we are launching this month-long challenge to clean up our ocean and protect these incredible coral reef ecosystems from plastic pollution.

Learning from Jeju's Devoted Sea Women

Feeling overwhelmed by the scale of plastic pollution? Let us introduce you to some truly inspiring women who prove that individuals can make a massive difference. Meet the Haenyeo (sea women) of Jeju, South Korea — freediving fisherwomen who've been guardians of their local marine environment for over 400 years.

These remarkable women can hold their breath for up to two minutes and dive to depths of 20 meters without equipment, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Today, they've adapted their ancient practices to tackle modern plastic pollution, hand-collecting plastic debris during their daily ocean work. What they discover underwater is both heartbreaking and motivating — plastic bags wrapped around sea grass, discarded bottles scattered across the sea floor and microplastics floating in once pristine waters.

Through their intimate connection with the sea, they witness firsthand how plastic damages marine ecosystems and threatens the underwater world they've protected for generations. Many Haenyeo now spend part of their diving time specifically focused on cleanup efforts, and they're passing this environmental stewardship to younger generations of divers.

Their dedication is especially meaningful since Jeju Province is hosting World Environment Day 2025 and has committed to becoming plastic-free by 2040. Talk about leading by example!

Why Cleanups Matter for Coral Reefs

You might wonder how picking up plastic on a beach or in a local park connects to protecting coral reefs. The answer lies in understanding how plastic pollution travels. Most ocean plastic originates on land—from city streets, riverbanks, and coastal areas. Rain and wind carry this debris into waterways, which eventually flow to the ocean, where currents transport it to coral reef areas.

Land-based cleanups prevent plastic from entering waterways in the first place, directly protecting coral reefs hundreds of miles away. Underwater cleanups around coral reefs are equally important, as they remove debris that's already reached these fragile ecosystems, preventing further damage to coral reefs and other marine life.

How You Can Beat Plastic Pollution and Protect Coral Reefs

Whilst you may be unable to freedive like the amazing Haenyeo but you can absolutely follow their example and create positive change in your own community. From collecting litter in your local park to picking up trash on the beach, the key to fighting plastic pollution in our ocean and protecting our coral reefs is by preventing plastic leaks wherever you see them.

Join Direct Cleanup Efforts:

Join our #SeaTheChangeCleanup Challenge (6 June – 6 July) and connect with local cleanup groups
Organise cleanups with friends and family and collect litter from your local parks, riverbanks and waterways that feed into the ocean systems
Record and report collection data through organisations such as Ocean Conservation’s Clean Swell or PADI Dive Against Debris® apps
Participate in underwater cleanups (where safe and legal) through eco-friendly dive operators
Partner with local schools, businesses, and community groups to amplify your impact

Reduce Plastic at the Source:

Don’t forget that while cleanups are great for removing the trash that already exists, being mindful of our waste consumption and reducing it is the best way to tackle the problem at the source!

Bring your reusable cup for takeaway drinks, you'll save one piece of plastic from entering the ocean forever
Carry reusable bags when shopping and politely decline single-use plastic bags
Choose restaurants and businesses that use biodegradable or reusable packaging
Support companies committed to plastic-free packaging and circular economy practices
Properly recycle plastic at your local centres when you can't avoid it entirely, and learn what types of plastic your local facility accepts

Amplify Your Impact:

Share your cleanup efforts on social media using #BeatPlasticPollution and #SeatheChange
Educate your friends and family about how plastic pollution affects coral reefs and marine life
Support marine conservation organisations working to protect our ocean through donations or volunteering
Advocate for plastic reduction policies in your local community, such as plastic bag bans or bottle deposit programs
Organise educational events at schools or community centres to raise awareness about plastic pollution

Educate Yourself and Others:

Learn about your local marine ecosystems and how they connect to global ocean health
Follow reputable marine conservation organisations and scientists on social media
Read research about plastic pollution and coral reef conservation to stay informed
Share factual information about plastic pollution with your network to counter misinformation

Make World Environment Day 2025 Count

Whatever steps, big or small, remember the incredible power that determined individuals like Jeju's Haenyeo have to inspire change in others. By becoming more conscious of your plastic footprint and taking action, however small, you're helping protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

Ready to join the movement? Join our #SeatheChangeCleanup Challenge from 6 June onwards and become part of a global community working to beat plastic pollution. Together, we can make a real difference for our ocean and coral reefs.

I’d like to join the #SeaTheChangeCleanup Challenge!

Love what you've read? Share this article with friends and family to help spread awareness this World Environment Day 2025. Every person who joins this cause brings us one step closer to a cleaner ocean!

Learn more about coral reefs and the vital work we do to protect them.

Beat Plastic Pollution This World Environment Day 2025