More than 70% of all ocean plastic enters the ocean via rivers. Rivers provide a problematic “conveyor belt” of ocean plastics and, at the same time, an opportunity for addressing problems more efficiently before it can have higher negative impacts on marine life and our health and capturing the plastic waste before it degrades too much. 

To address the issue, Seven Clean Seas installs river barriers to stop plastic leakage and facilitate waste collection. We are also strengthening our collection efforts and river barriers in collaboration and co-design with the local fishermen and environmental agency – local context and inclusion are essential!

As a result, it is highly effective, has a moderate cost, does not obstruct river traffic, and allows water animals, such as fish, to pass through it.

Beyond barriers, we implement riverbank and boat-based collections, where SCS crew thoroughly sweep the rivers with fully equipped health and safety gear. Through these initiatives, tangible transformations are observed on-site. Notably, the return of fish and other marine animals to coastal and river habitats underscores the positive impact of our efforts.