Winners crowned in 'Big Blue Bag' environmental competition

Visit Isle of Man has announced winners of its 'Big Blue Bag' environmental competition.

The initiative invited people to nominate local 'ocean heroes', which could be people, groups or organisations who work hard to safeguard the Island's coastlines and seas. 

It was launched earlier this year alongside TV broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls, with the Island chosen as the first 'destination' for the initiative.

The prize, a ‘Big Blue Bag’, is described as a citizen science toolkit designed for people of all ages to collect and submit data on marine health, from 'microplastic pollution and sea surface temperatures to coastal debris and biodiversity monitoring.'

The winners were: 

• Mary Jane Douglas
• Darcie Duggan
• Archie Hudgeon 
• Ava Lockwood 
• Brooke Baptist
• Willow Jones 
• Mike Clark 
• Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) 
• Eyesea 

Monty Halls, founder of the ‘Big Blue Bag’ initiative, says: ‘The Isle of Man continues to lead the way in citizen science and marine stewardship. 

‘The Island holds a special place in my heart. It’s now the first island on the planet where residents and visitors alike will collectively monitor their own marine environment - a model I hope will inspire coastal communities everywhere.’

To learn more about the ‘Big Blue Bag’ initiative, visit: https://www.bigbluebag.org/