EcoWB Joins Global Partnership on Marine Litter
April 5, 2021

In March 2021, EcoWB became a member organization of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) which came out of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, bringing together those engaged in preventing marine litter to protect the marine environment, human well-being, and fauna. This stakeholder network provides a platform for learning, sharing, and research, as well as development of policies and regional efforts and agreements.

With a mission of supporting communities to not only address environmental issues, but also human health and ecology, this is an opportunity for EcoWB to learn more about this topic through their mailing list and webinars and weave this component into the projects that we support. We are currently exploring the possibility of engaging in projects that address marine litter.

What is Marine Debris Litter?

Marine litter is an issue affecting waterways around the world, with approximately 80 percent coming from land-based sources (e.g., manufacturing, litter, poor solid waste management, etc.) and 20 percent from water-based sources (e.g., aquaculture, fishing, and shipping). This is not only an environmental issue; it also has economic and human health costs that need to be addressed.

The marine litter problem is only increasing, and there is concern that there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish by the year 2050. There are floating islands of plastic at the ocean’s surface, and it also is making its way to the depths of the oceans, fragmenting into smaller pieces that are found in substrate and beaches, as well as into seabirds, fish, turtles, and whales. Impacted fish and shellfish are now in our food supply. Animals are becoming entangled in ghost nets and plastic 6-pack rings. Corals are being broken and smothered. Ship propellers are catching nets and fishing lines. River banks, estuaries, and beaches are polluted and require continuous cleanup. And tourism is being affected by the aesthetics of this waste.

Developing Project Concepts

Two of our partners on the Mulegé Sustainable Fisheries Project—La Fundación Hagamos Mas por Santa Rosalía (FHMSR) and the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Mulegé (ITESME)—have expressed interest in collaborating with EcoWB on a marine debris education and abatement project in the Gulf of California, where massive amounts of litter, including various forms of plastic, has accumulated. EcoWB is looking for volunteers to work with FHMSR, ITESME, and local fishermen to develop a plan to clean up local beaches, educate local residents, and reduce the amount of “throw-away” items that end up in the Gulf of California. The project would initially take place in Santa Rosalia and surrounding communities and, if successful, be replicated in other areas. The long-term goal is to work with other communities and NGOs throughout the region to promote a “litter-free” Gulf.

We are also currently developing a collaboration with 4P Shore and Seas, a French NGO, to assess microplastic pollution on beaches. 4P Shore and Seas has conducted some work in France utilizing participative research protocols, including beach transects and cleanups to raise awareness and engage citizens, and hopes to expand their activities in collaboration with EcoWB. We look forward to sharing details in the near future.

 

For more information

If you are interested in this general topic, or have specific marine litter projects or ideas that EcoWB can help you implement, please contact EcoWB’s volunteer GPML point person Rebekah Padgett at rpadgett7@gmail.com. Details about the GPML can be found at https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/what-we-do/addressing-land-based-pollution/global-partnership-marine. 

 

Now Hiring: Program Manager

March 2, 2025
Job Title: Program Manager Location: Remote Organization: Ecologists Without Borders Hours: Part-Time (10-20 hrs per week) Term: Through December 31, 2025 (renewal possible, subject to funding) Compensation: Subject to grant funding availability and applicant’s level of experience About Us Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is dedicated to environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. We work globally to implement impactful projects that address ecological challenges, empower local communities, and promote long-term environmental resilience. Position Summary EcoWB is seeking an organized and proactive Program Manager to oversee ongoing environmental projects, develop new projects in collaboration with environmentally vulnerable communities worldwide and expand partnerships that align with our mission. This is a fully remote position and no travel is anticipated as part of this position. The ideal candidate has nonprofit environmental work experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and a passion for conservation and community development in an international setting. This role provides a hands-on opportunity to expand EcoWB’s project program, both internally and externally through engagement with potential partner organizations and supporting EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, while contributing meaningfully to EcoWB’s mission. Key Responsibilities Project Program Management: Working with EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, monitor and support ongoing environmental projects around the world, ensuring successful outcomes. Develop and implement recruitment and training for new EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, and coordinate assistance to resolve project issues as needed. Actively participate in EcoWB Projects Committee monthly meetings, participate in reviewing and scoring of project proposals, and present recommendations for new projects to the Board for approval. Project Program Development: Identify opportunities for new environmental projects in cooperation with local community partners, design initiatives, and coordinate their launch. Develop and propose project program policies and procedures in coordination with the Project Committee. Outreach & Partnerships: Build relationships with international community organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to expand our programs and reach. Volunteer Engagement: Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to engage and recruit EcoWB volunteers in project activities. Grant & Funding Support: With the support of the Development Director, assist in identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities to support ongoing projects and program growth. Assist Project Managers with providing project descriptions and success stories to the Marketing and Communications Committee and Development staff to illustrate EcoWB’s story through specific impacts. Monitoring & Reporting: Track Project Program impact through monthly, annual, and grant-specific reports, maintain detailed records, and communicate results. Minimum Qualifications & Skills Passion for environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. Experience in nonprofit work, environmental initiatives, international development, and/or project coordination. Familiarity with norms and standards for international development. Basic budget management experience (or willingness to learn). Strong organizational and leadership skills. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), videoconferencing, and basic project management tools. Professional proficiency in written and spoken English. Preferred Additional Qualifications & Skills Familiarity with fundraising or grant writing. Experience with environmentally vulnerable communities. Experience tracking project impacts and reporting outcomes. Experience working with volunteers from a range of backgrounds and community organizations. What We Offer Opportunity to lead and expand meaningful environmental project program. Flexible remote work schedule (with availability during normal U.S. business hours). Opportunity to work with highly motivated volunteers and help communities around the world address environmental challenges. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience and interest to HR@ecowb.org . In the cover letter, please include your expected salary or hourly rate for the position. Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2025 and reviewed in the order received until one or more acceptable candidates are found. On the basis of the information submitted, promising applicants will be interviewed by members of EcoWB’s review team. Work is expected to begin early to mid-April.

EcoWB’s Ian Hendy Helps Capture the Hidden Beauty of Kelp Forests

February 13, 2025
EcoWB’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Ian Hendy, has helped bring the mysteries of the UK’s underwater forests to life in a stunning new documentary, Forests Beneath the Waves. Commissioned by Natural England and produced by a team of filmmakers led by Dr. Hendy from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), the film offers a rare and breathtaking look at the kelp forests surrounding the Isle of Wight, Devon, and Cornwall.  Kelp forests are some of the most productive habitats on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The documentary, now available on YouTube, highlights the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face. “When Natural England approached me to make this exciting film, I was thrilled. I immediately realized the significance and impact this could have for policy, protection, and outreach,” said Dr. Hendy. “We encountered everything from beautiful sharks, stunning juvenile rays, mesmerizing cuttlefish, and even tuna fish! The vibrant life in our UK kelp forests rivals that of tropical coral reefs.” The film captures a hidden world beneath the waves, showing undulate rays and gobies sheltering from predators, a nursehound shark securing her egg, and a seal hunting for food. These forests provide essential nursery grounds and shelter for marine species, while also buffering coastlines from storms, increasing oxygen levels, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their resilience, kelp forests are under serious threat from warming oceans, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing. Their decline is already being observed in the UK, making conservation efforts—and awareness—more urgent than ever. “Climate change is a big factor,” said Marina Rees, Marine Higher Officer at Natural England. “I have witnessed the increase of bleached kelp during heat waves, and escalating storms destroying entire parts of kelp forests. In the film, we even captured the crystal jellyfish—normally found in the Pacific—now appearing in UK waters due to rising temperatures.” With its stunning visuals and powerful message, Forests Beneath the Waves showcases why protecting these ecosystems matters—not just for marine life, but for the planet as a whole. Watch the full documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOQSjtVsLs