DWS × Healthy Seas: A Partnership for Ocean Health and Biodiversity

Since 2020, DWS has proudly partnered with Healthy Seas, a marine conservation organization dedicated to tackling one of the most invisible but deadly forms of marine pollution: ghost fishing gear. What began as a shared commitment to cleaner oceans has evolved into a powerful collaboration that supports underwater cleanups, community education and scientific research across the globe.

Together, we’ve made great strides—from supporting high-impact missions to recover ghost nets from European waters, to enabling Healthy Seas' expansion to Asia and the U.S. Through our support, Healthy Seas acquired its first dedicated diving boat, the MAKO, now active year-round in Greek waters. We’ve helped bring global attention to the issue of ghost gear with projects like Operation Deep Blue Legacy, which reclaimed WWII shipwrecks in the High Seas, reviving ecosystems and honouring maritime heritage.

Healthy Seas’ mission aligns with DWS’ CSR strategy and our ambition to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. By supporting cleanup operations, circular economy innovation, and public engagement, we aim to leave a legacy of thriving oceans—for today and for generations to come.

 

Healthy Seas is much more than ocean clean-up

Founded in 2013, Healthy Seas is a global foundation dedicated to removing marine litter—especially ghost nets—to protect biodiversity and, with its partners, transform waste into new products like swimwear, socks, accessories, and carpets.
Active in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, the organization focuses on cleanups, prevention, and education. Since its founding, Healthy Seas has recovered over 1,228 tons of marine debris with the help of nearly 300 volunteers and 150 partners.

Operation Deep Blue Legacy

Dive into the world of sea rescue

Ghost Nets & Wrecks: A Scientific Dive into Marine Biodiversity

In 2025, DWS supports a new Healthy Seas research initiative to study the impact of ghost nets on marine life around a Mediterranean shipwreck.

By monitoring the site before and after ghost net removal, scientists will assess changes in biodiversity and habitat structure over time. The project will combine ecological research with storytelling to raise awareness of the hidden damage caused by ghost gear.

Operation Deep Blue Legacy: Honouring History, Protecting the Ocean

In 2024, DWS supported Healthy Seas in Operation Deep Blue Legacy—a groundbreaking mission to remove ghost nets from two WWII shipwrecks in the High Seas. The cleanup helped restore marine life and preserve these historical wrecks for future generations.

The mission was captured in a three-part documentary series, showcasing the intersection of maritime history and ocean conservation. In 2025, its impact continues through a dedicated educational program, bringing the story into schools to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.

MAKO Boat in Action

Thanks to the support of DWS, Healthy Seas acquired its first boat, MAKO, in 2021. Originally based in IJmuiden, the Netherlands, MAKO was used for salvage missions in the North Sea.

In 2024, the vessel was relocated to Greece to support a longer operational season. Since then, MAKO has played a key role in numerous cleanups and educational activities, serving as a mobile base for marine conservation across the area.

DWS supports scientific project in the Adriatic Sea

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day 2023, Healthy Seas, in collaboration with us and Ghost Diving Hong Kong, spearheaded a meaningful beach cleanup on a polluted island near Hong Kong. The event involved 65 enthusiastic students from the Australian International School. These young eco-warriors, guided by their teachers, not only gathered waste washed ashore but also took part in an educational initiative to raise awareness about marine litter. Simultaneously, divers from the local diving center plunged into the depths for an underwater cleanup, targeting marine litter beneath the surface. 

Healthy Seas recovery missions

October 2023

The salvage mission took place in the San Vito Tuna Clipper area, in Catalina Island, California. The Divers managed to dive at 54 meters depth at a large swell and recovered a significant number of nets.
When: 21 October 2023
Where: San Vito (Tuna Clipper)
Duration: 1 day
Results: 30sq meters, ~ 300lbs of nets recovered.

September 2023

The salvage mission took place at the North Sea on an unidentified wreck.  The Divers managed to dive with a foggy visibility of 2-3 meter and a small current at the beginning of the mission.
When: 9 September 2023
Where: North Sea, unidentified wreck
Duration: 1 day
Results: 5 m gillnet, and a big lobster and North Sea crab were released

August 2023

The salvage mission took place at the North Sea on an unidentified wreck.  Even though the day started off a bit rainy, once there, the weather was perfect allowing the Divers to successfully recover nets from the wreck.
When: 12 August 2023
Where: North Sea, unidentified wreck
Duration: 1 day
Results: Recreational fishing gear. about 5 square meters of trawler nets

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