Our mission is clear: to stop marine pollution and educate on ocean conservation.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the ocean and water in general. First, it was snow, rivers and lakes, but quickly, the oceans became a driving force. For me, looking at the ocean is a reminder of what it means to love unconditionally. It’s expansive, wide open, ever changing, adaptive and incredibly beautiful. Water gives me life. This alone makes me want to care for it in a devoted way.

My work with Seabin Foundation fulfils this passion. It is about getting myself and others excited to cleanup pollution, but even more so, it is about finding solutions to stop pollution.

The Sydney City Pilot and other city programs have been an exciting, bold adventure, and a great learning journey. It has allowed Seabin Foundation to understand how best to coordinate and support a growing number of dedicated volunteers, improve our data protocols, manage consistent data entries, and report on key findings. There is a world of opportunities that has now opened up from the knowledge we gained. Thank you, Sydney community, for showing us how much can be achieved when we stand up together for what we love!

Alongside a Seabin dream team, I will continue to act for litter prevention with a focus on major cities, through a joint effort between Seabin tech, people and institutions. Cities often face similar challenges when it comes to polluting waterways.

I whole-heartedly dream of connecting communities around the world through our campaigns, implementing the successes of one to another, and accelerating positive change for a healthier planet for all. Simply because water is one of the most beautiful elements that unites us.

I have always been passionate about nature and the outdoors. My summer holidays were always spent near the beach, and I have been lucky to live close to the ocean since I was little. This connection with nature led me to study Biological Science in Brazil and work on many conservation projects. I am passionate about whales and happily worked with whale watching vessels for five seasons here in Australia. In 2025, I completed the Conservation Biology graduate certificate program at Macquarie University.

To me, the ocean is such a mysterious place—so vast and accessible, yet still so unknown. Humankind knows more about space than about our oceans. While we are still discovering new marine mammal species, we have yet to fully understand the impact and harm we cause to this environment. Plastic might be the biggest impact we cause, and we still do not fully comprehend this impact.

Being part of Seabin Foundation is a great honour. It involves helping to better understand and prevent plastic pollution in Sydney through innovation and new technologies, as well as inspiring and educating people for a better future.

In 2025, Arabella graduated as a marine biology student at University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Arabella completed an internship of 400hrs internship in the Ocean Health Lab from August to November 2024, learning and helping with the data analysis and science communication projects underway, before being hired in her employed role.

Bella brings valuable skills and personality to the team, with kindness and dedication, and a capacity to adapt to the many projects we tackle at once, as a team. We are so grateful count Arabella as part of the hired team since December 2024.

"I have grown up with the ocean and have always been fascinated by the little creatures that call it home. My intrigue has led me to pursue a career in Marine Biology. I spend most of my free time in or around the water which is what gives me the most joy. I love to free dive, surf and take my dog to the beach, seeing him enjoy swimming and exploring is so amazing. Being able to intern and get hands-on practice with other scientists has helped me to understand where I want to take my career and what an actual job in marine biology looks like."

Kathy joined our volunteer community in August 2022, and continues to help on a weekly basis with data collections, with already over 2 years of dedication to help our mission. After living in Asia and sailing around Central America for 2 years Kathy became increasingly aware of the plastic pollution problem and her passion to do something to make a difference.

“After five days of desk work, my Saturday mornings with Seabin are a very welcome change. I go down to the harbour, sit on the dock in the sunshine, chat with curious people and do important work.

After many years of thinking and talking about it, it feels great to be making a contribution.”

Huge thank you to Kathy for your dedication and passion towards cleaning up our oceans, both at the Rose Bay unit and then at the Ocean Health Lab.

Jade reached out to offer her time as part of Seabin Foundation's strategy team in October 2024. She helps on a regular basis with a few days/month. Jade has helped to elevate our reporting strategy thanks to her current studies in commerce and sustainability, and is now dedicated to supporting our team with volunteers and interns coordination and events. We couldn't be more grateful for Jade's ongoing commitment to support our meaningful reporting.

From Jade: "A big part of who I am is my love for the beach and sustainable living. Growing up in Australia, I have always been connected to the ocean and understood the importance of preserving it. Now almost finishing my undergrad studies, my commerce background has fueled my interest in social business, and how bringing together innovation and sustainability can help organisations solve some of the world's most complex global issues. I chose to volunteer with Seabin Foundation not only to learn from and contribute alongside environmental professionals, but also to have a positive impact on my community. I truly believe the ocean and the beauty of our planet is what connects us as humans, and it is our duty to protect it from plastic harm."

Allison has experience with data science and reached out to help in the Ocean Health Lab and any data analysis. It's wonderful to welcome you as part of the team once every two weeks Allison! Thank you for committing some of your time to doing this work with us!

"I started volunteering with Seabin because the company that I work for actually sponsors a Seabin, and I wanted to do more. I get to see this very cool data that we are collecting, modern, anthological data that shows what foods is popular, what industrial material is being used and it's all very interesting. I really get to be involved more than I ever was before as a sponsor and I really enjoy it."

Finn reached out to help out with volunteering at the Ocean Health Lab in late 2024, and has since been offering his generous time twice/week to support the scientific analysis of the marine plastics caught by Seabins and delivered to the lab weekly.

Brenton is a deeply passionate, ocean-loving undergraduate with a background that supports elaborate understandings of human psychology and behaviour, socio-cultural ethics and responsibility, holistic natural systems, and complex macro- and micro-biological processes.

“The ocean has always enthralled me, and at 24, I’m privileged to have become completely ensnared by its balanced dualities, its dazzling restlessness and jarring tranquility. Whether through adoration, fate, or existential purpose, I find myself drawn to the spirited mission driving Seabin Foundation, where I hope to contribute to marine preservation and inspire greater enthusiasm for and dedication towards responses against marine pollution.”

We are grateful to welcome Brenton's wisdom and passion for a semester-long internship in early 2025!

Joining the Seabin Foundation team for a 70hrs internship as part of a Science degree at MQ, Samuel brings in his enthusiasm and skills to help the team with stats, research, and outreach for litter prevention. Here's a little more about Sam:

"My name is Sam, I was born and raised on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia, so I've never been too far from a body of water. Spending so much time around the water has made me passionate about preserving its health and beauty for us and future generations. Right now I am finishing a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University with a major in Human Biology and a minor in Biotechnology. After finishing my degree, I want to complete a Masters in Environmental Conservation to contribute back to the environment. In my spare time one of the things I enjoy is snorkelling. Snorkelling at different locations around Australia, the impact humans have on the environment is visible everywhere. Plastic pollution can make its way anywhere. Seeing the Seabins doing their part to prevent what they can and inform others on how to live a plastic reduced life is inspiring, and I am excited to work with a company closely aligned with my goal of contributing towards a positive future."

Welcome on board Sam!

Charlie brings a valuable set of passions to the team as part of her internship. On behalf of Seabin Foundation, we are grateful for the shared commitment Charlie shows for our campaigns!

"I am in my fourth year at Macquarie University Studying a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Media and Communications.

Growing up in Australia I have always been around water and ocean and have always had a passion for protecting the ocean from pollution. I find I can utilise my dual degree in advocating for policy and legislation reform to progress sustainable practices. Raising awareness and educating the public is a difficult but important aspect in achieving change throughout the nation. It is important that as a community, we reduce our plastic consumption and progress to sustainable alternatives. I am really fortunate to be undertaking my internship with Seabin Foundation as they have allowed me to merge various aspects of my degrees and utilise them in different and impactful ways. I'm grateful for the experience and am excited to continue to contribute to research and future campaigns!"

"My name is Ian Petersen, and I’m a film production student at Macquarie University. Originally from Chicago, I’ve been traveling since graduating high school and moved to Sydney three years ago. Living near the coast has deepened my connection to the ocean, which now plays a central role in both my creative work and personal life.

At Seabin Foundation, I’m contributing to the media and content team, using my skills in videography and editing to help share the organisation’s mission through social media and YouTube. I’m passionate about visual storytelling and believe that strong, thoughtful media can inspire change — especially when it comes to protecting our oceans.

Outside of my studies and internship, I spend much of my time surfing, filming, and reading. Surfing has become my favorite hobby, not just for the fun but for the deep connection it fosters with nature. I’ve always loved filming outdoor sports, and I’m especially drawn to surf films that blend visuals with environmental themes. My goal is to create films that not only showcase great surfing but also encourage appreciation and conservation of the natural world — particularly our oceans."

Seabin Foundation's team is grateful for Ian's choice to support our mission with valuable skills - authentic video can have such lasting positive impact.

Felix volunteered up until 2021 with data collections of the Seabins tech as well as in 2022 by supporting the Seabin market stall at the Bondi Ocean Lovers Festival with the team. In 2024, Felix reached out again after some time traveling, offering to help with his marketing skills, making him an incredibly valuable part of the Seabin story overtime! You can find some of our blog articles written by Felix.

Jake is an experienced management consultant with over six years of expertise delivering transformative business solutions across various industries. His skills span data analytics, project management, process improvement, and stakeholder management. Jake has demonstrated his ability to bridge the gap between technical development teams and client requirements on large scale projects.

Jake’s passion for sustainability and marine conservation is deeply rooted in his years as a scuba diver and surfer. These experiences have given him first hand exposure to the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, sparking a lifelong commitment to environmental protection. He is dedicated to contributing to technology-driven advancements that protect the ocean and the planet for future generations.

Volunteering with Seabin Foundation allows Jake to combine his professional expertise with his personal passion for environmental conservation. He strongly believes in Seabin Foundation’s mission to reduce marine plastic pollution and is eager to help the organisation scale its impact globally. In addition to contributing to this important cause, Jake is looking forward to meeting and collaborating with like-minded individuals in the marine conservation space, sharing knowledge and ideas to further the fight against plastic pollution.

Jake started volunteering with Seabin Foundation in September 2024.

Matthew is a Sales Professional having worked in providing Digital Transformation and Website Accessibility Solutions to clients in ensuring the web is more inclusive and accessible. Having grown up with a desire to be outdoors and in nature, you can find Matt trekking, camping, gardening, cooking or road tripping along our coastlines. Sustainability is at the forefront of his values and strongly believes in making small individual contributions that have a much greater impact. From reducing plastic consumption to food sources you chose and choosing ethical and renewable goods, Matthew believes these habits influence our systems and peers around him.

Matthew started volunteering with Seabin Foundation in October 2024 and helped for 4 months consistently. Matthew continues to make himself available for macro-level strategy processes. Volunteering at Seabin Foundation resonated with his values and beliefs in making steps to clean up the way we consume and contribute to waste. Matthew hopes to contribute to cleaning our oceans and waterways as we weren't put on the Blue Planet to consume and pollute. To Matthew, being a part of Seabin Foundation's network means that he gets to contribute to the current best way forward in providing a more sustainable future through Technology and Innovation.

Axel spent three of his high school's work experience with the Seabin Foundation team at the Ocean Health Lab in 2023 and 2024, allocating one day per week over a total period of 13 weeks. In addition to this experience, Axel has generously contributed to the making of the Ocean Health online course, by featuring in the Citizen Science module.

Guided by the Skilled Volunteering Program offered by Social Impact Hub, skilled volunteers Charlie Rothery, Stephanie Morison, Gabrielle Trenbath, Jacinta FitzGerald, and Daniel Henshall offered their expertise alongside expert Jerry Marston, to assist Seabin Foundation in developing its Theory of Change and Impact Measurement Framework over 3 months in late 2024. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the support of such a knowledgeable and friendly cohort. Thank you!

35 students split into 7 groups have spent their entire semester developing litter prevention strategies ahead of the holiday and summer season in 2024. They professionally took part in every step from briefing sessions to delivering a reverse brief and two rounds of formal presentations to describe the creative approaches they proposed to Seabin Foundation for the year ahead. This experience has been incredibly valuable to Seabin Foundation. All students are acknowledged as having contributed significantly to Seabin Foundation's vision and operations for the prevention of marine plastic pollution. The amount of inspiring ideas put forward will be informing several initiatives over 2024-2026. Thank you to the passionate cohort of university students!

Yulia, Jessica, Galen, and John are currently undertaking their internship with Seabin Foundation, for their masters in media and communication, having each allocated 45 hours or their school term to contribution toward Seabin Foundation's litter prevention campaigns, social media strategies, and website upkeep.

Erin completed a working week/5 day internship at the Ocean Health Lab in October 2024. Here is what he had to say after completing his experience:

"Do you know when you find out about something and it all just makes sense, hearing Tom Batrouney (Seabin staff) speak about both the physical Seabin and the other operations, I found myself nodding along thinking “yeah, that checks out”. I was pretty keen to get involved!

I was fortunate to do a week with Seabin Foundation in October 2024. After a year of studies in Sustainable Living, Outdoor Ed and Permaculture, it was great to finish with some practical experience. I got involved with many aspects and tasks that broadened my knowledge of the litter issue and what initiatives, like Seabin, are doing to address it. I would recommend anyone to go to the Seabin Foundation Ocean Health Lab and check out what is going on there, see what you can do personally and how you could get involved."

Thank you so much George for your dedication during this week.

Erin completed a working week/5 day internship at the Ocean Health Lab in October 2024.

After her experience, Emily said she was shocked by how much litter there is in Sydney Harbour, with the Seabins collecting just a small amount of what is truly out there. The amount of astroturf that Emily found while doing data collection was huge, an insights of this small (in appearance) but big problematic plastic item.

Thank you Emily and Earth Watch to help us to spread awareness towards a future with no more plastic pollution!

Erin completed a working week/5 day internship at the Ocean Health Lab in September 2024. Here is what she had to say after completing her experience:

"Hi my name is Erin, I’ve been participating in an internship with Seabin Foundation for a week. It has been an incredible learning experience and found out lots of new information about what’s in our oceans, unfortunately mostly sad facts. During my week I enjoyed doing data collection and some social media content. Overall, my experience here at Seabin Foundation was absolutely amazing and I recommend it to anyone who loves the ocean and would love to learn more on how we can prevent rubbish from entering our beautiful environment. The work that Seabin Foundation do is incredible and I can’t thank them enough for this experience."

Mia spent a full week at the Ocean Health Lab in 2024 to fulfil the requirements of her high school work experience. During this time, Mia was assisting with data collection, data analysis and with the public engagement aspects of the Ocean Health Lab, located at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia.

Abby, Stella, Rachel, Marion, and Myah completed their internships of either 45 hours or 70 hours (Myah) with Seabin Foundation, over the first semester of 2024. Four of the students were completing a masters in media and communication, whilst one, Myah, was taking her internship as part of her bachelor's degree in science. You can read more about their experience in our blog section.

In May and June 2024, John generously offered his time to volunteer, as he wanted to support a cause he was passionate about. Being a massive fan of the work of Seabin and Seabin Foundation, he got in touch to see if his skills and experiences could be of service - and those skills were so welcomed! John wanted to offer insights and experience from 20+ years working across all sectors and a variety of industries, focused on social and environmental impact. The work John managed to help with in such short period of time was truly insightful for the charity.

Moving to Sydney in 2016, John instantly fell in love with the blue skies and blue waters of the NSW coast and Sydney Harbour. He has a young family who all love to play in the water. Inspired by the custodianship of land and water by the First Nations People of Australia, he wanted to find a way to ensure the sea and harbour waters are healthy and safe for many years ahead.

Over the first half of 2024, Lea volunteered on a weekly basis at the Ocean Health Lab, helping greatly with data collections. Lea is completing her studies in marine sciences at UTS, Sydney, and also kindly offered to get involved with the early stages of Seabin Foundation's litter prevention campaign on branded soft packaging, more specifically chocolate wrappers. We are deeply grateful for all the help Lea provided, with passion and positivity.

Remi spent a full work week at the Ocean Health Lab in 2023 to fulfil the requirements of her high school work experience. During this time, Remi was assisting with data collection, data analysis and with the public engagement aspects of the Ocean Health Lab, located at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia.

Up until mid 2024, Lauren has generously offered her time to analyse Seabin catches on site at the Manly unit. We could not have gathered as many insights as we now have about Manly without Lauren's dedication!

Up until late 2023, Hayley has generously offered her time to analyse Seabin catches on site at the Manly unit. We could not have gathered as many insights as we now have about Manly without Hayley's dedication!

Up until late 2023, Emily has generously offered her time to analyse Seabin catches on site at the Manly unit. We could not have gathered as many insights as we now have about Manly without Emily's dedication!

Up until 2023, Julia has generously offered her time to analyse Seabin catches on site at the Manly unit. We could not have gathered as many insights as we now have about Manly without Julia's dedication!