We are thrilled to announce that the Ocean Cruising Club  has awarded its 2025 Environment Award to Duncan Copeland, Larissa Clark and family aboard S/V Freeranger  in recognition of the creation of the Ocean Citizen Science Directory and the wider work of Free Range Ocean. Duncan, Larissa, Eden and Skye Copeland aboard SV Freeranger in Russell, New Zealand 2026 (picture by Krista Harries) We were truly humbled to hear we'd been nominated for this award, and deeply honoured to have been selected and for the recognition from a community we respect enormously. The OCC has long championed seamanship, curiosity and responsible voyaging. To be acknowledged for environmental leadership within that circle means a great deal — particularly because sailors are uniquely placed to witness the health of our ocean first-hand. Whale spotting is fun for all and reporting sightings helps researchers understand whale behaviour and needs Since launching Free Range Ocean in 2023, we have turned our 50-foot sailboat, Freeranger , into a mobile platform for marine conservation. Drawing on more than forty years of combined experience in marine resource management, environmental campaigning and communications, we set out to better connect people on the water with the scientists working to understand it. Our approach is simple: every observation counts. Everyday people — including cruising sailors, coastal fishers, families exploring rockpools, divers, paddleboarders and beach walkers — can all contribute meaningfully to global marine knowledge. Because the ocean is vast, dynamic and still deeply under-observed. The clearer our collective picture, the better the decisions that follow — and given the sheer scale of the ocean, the effort to understand and protect it cannot be the responsibility of scientists alone. It requires many people, each doing something practical, wherever they are. A neuston net trawl on Freeranger mid-Pacific Ocean for Dr Rebecca Helm and International SeaKeepers Society From the Pacific Northwest to French Polynesia and across the South Pacific to New Zealand, our own voyages have become opportunities to contribute data wherever we travel. We’ve towed a neuston net across open-ocean swells for studies of life at the ocean’s surface thousands of miles from land, logged whale and dolphin sightings from coasts to high seas, recorded seabirds far offshore, and documented floating debris and fishing activity in remote waters. Small, practical contributions gathered steadily over time — adding up to something far bigger than a single boat. At the heart of this award is the Ocean Citizen Science Directory — a curated, open-access platform designed to make it simple for anyone to find and participate in credible, ocean-benefiting projects wherever they are in the world. Media coverage helps to grow awareness and outreach for the directory - Island Cruising Magazine While cruising sailors are uniquely positioned to collect data across vast distances, the Directory is equally relevant to someone surveying litter on their local beach, submitting wildlife sightings from a kayak, or contributing fisheries observations from a working vessel or holiday charter. Beyond data collection, Free Range Ocean’s work spans both collaboration and demonstration. We host and connect local conservation initiatives, marine researchers and storytellers on board Freeranger  in and from the countries we visit — creating space for shared learning and practical exchange. At the same time, we use the boat as a living testbed: trialling environmentally responsible cruising practices, showcasing lower-impact technologies, and exploring how everyday operational decisions can reduce a vessel’s footprint. The Freeranger crew taking secchi disk readings in BC, Canada This award reflects a growing movement — within the cruising community and far beyond it — of people who care deeply about the waters they depend on and enjoy. We believe sailing can be more than a way to cross oceans. It can be a way to protect them. To the Ocean Cruising Club, thank you, deeply, for recognising that vision. And to anyone who spends time on, in or beside the sea: wherever you are, there is likely a way to contribute. Let’s sail — and act — with purpose. 🌊 ~ Larissa, Duncan, Eden and Skye Copeland - sv FREERANGER About the Ocean Cruising Club The OCC is the “home port” for those who have sailed long distances across big oceans. With 64 nationalities represented among more than 3600 members, and Port Officers around the world, we have a more diverse membership and a more international reach than any other bluewater sailing organisation. The Ocean Cruising Club exists to encourage long-distance sailing in small boats. A Full Member of the OCC must have completed a qualifying voyage of a non-stop port-to-port ocean passage, where the distance between the two ports is not less than 1,000 nautical miles, in a vessel of not more than 70ft (21.36m) LOA; associate members are committed to achieving that goal. This standard distinguishes the OCC from all other sailing clubs. Our membership as a whole has more experience offshore than any other sailing organisation – in the number of circumnavigators, in the range of extraordinary voyages members have completed, and in the number of solo sailors and female sailors among our ranks. This is what sets us apart, even as it draws us together. Duncan and Eden proudly hoisting the OCC Flying Fish burgee aboard Freeranger

We were happy to write an article for Island Cruising: Cruise News magazine to help cruisers in NZ and Australia find citizen science projects to participate in. Read the full article in the February 2026 issue of Cruise News by clicking here and looking for page 56 in the e-magazine .

On 2nd February 2026, Duncan and Larissa presented Free Range Ocean's ideas, tips and tools for cruising in an environmentally responsible way to members of the Island Cruising community who are planning a sailing season in the South Pacific later this year. The event was organised by Island Cruising NZ, a long-standing support network for cruising sailors exploring Aotearoa and the wider South Pacific. Run by experienced offshore sailors, the organisation provides practical, real-world guidance on passage planning, weather windows, safety, regulations, and life afloat — alongside seminars, rallies, and a generous culture of knowledge-sharing. More than just logistics, Island Cruising NZ connects boats into a trusted community, helping skippers leave the dock better prepared and more confident, and fostering the kind of seamanship, self-reliance, and mutual support that make bluewater cruising both safer and more rewarding. The session was led by Viki Moore of Island Cruising, who has run it since 2021 and serves as its Managing Director. Viki is a lifelong sailor and qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmaster with extensive experience in cruising support, and under her leadership the organisation provides rallies, preparation resources, and offshore-cruising support for sailors heading from New Zealand into the South Pacific and beyond. Free Range Ocean was joined by Citizens of the Sea and International SeaKeepers Society to present inspiring projects cruisers can join in. Background The number of cruising boats is increasing everywhere, particularly in the South Pacific. As a community, our impacts are growing, and they are cumulative. Responsible cruising can be viewed through three lenses: • Environmental care • Social and cultural respect • Leading by example Minimising our footprint not only has an environmental benefit; it also protects: • Access • Reputation • Future cruising freedoms Areas we talked about included: Why Responsible Cruising Matters Wildlife Interactions and Disturbance Anchoring, Moorings, and Seabed Protection Fuel, Oil, and Chemical Pollution Waste and Plastics Feeling Flush - Sewage Swabbing the decks (and the dishes) – Reducing Greywater Discharges Keeping Your Bottom Clean Boat Work The food we take – considerations on fishing and other food harvesting Sunscreen and Personal Care Products Noise, Light, and Visual Pollution Be a Citizen Scientist! Responsible cruising isn’t about restriction. It’s about respect, awareness, and humility. Responsible cruisers… • Are observant, not entitled • Ask questions • Adapt behaviour • Accept inconvenience • Contribute • Let’s aim to be the kind of cruiser we’d want arriving in our own home waters! We’re guests. Our wake lasts longer than we think. The Pacific is generous — but not infinite. Here's a copy of our presentation  for those who missed it.

We’re delighted to share that Free Range Ocean  is featured in the Ocean Cruising Club’s Flying Fish Magazine – Annual 2025 Issue , with a long-form article titled A Journey with Purpose: From Victoria, BC to the Heart of Polynesia  by Larissa and Duncan. The Ocean Cruising Club's Flying Fish Magazine is one of the most respected publications in the offshore sailing world, and this annual edition brings together stories from across the global cruising community. Our feature follows our family’s departure from Canada aboard Freeranger , charting a multi-year Pacific voyage that weaves together bluewater sailing, homeschooling at sea, and hands-on participation in ocean citizen science. The article explores why we set up Free Range Ocean, how the Ocean Citizen Science Directory  came to life, and what it looks like in practice to collect meaningful data while cruising — from wildlife sightings and microplastic sampling to neuston net tows on the high seas. It also reflects on the power of family sailing, community connections, and the incredible support of the OCC network along the way. We’re grateful to the Ocean Cruising Club for the opportunity to share this story, and we hope it inspires more sailors to see their voyages as platforms for positive ocean impact. Read the article as a stand alone here Full Flying Fish Magazine here Ocean Cruising Club website here

This week Explore North’s  popular sailing podcast dropped a compelling new episode, “Sailors for Ocean Science,”  featuring Free Range Ocean co-founder Duncan Copeland  in conversation with Norwegian sailor, author, and podcaster Jon Amtrup . It’s a must-listen for anyone who sees sailing not just as an adventure on the water, but as a chance to contribute to vital ocean science. In the episode, Duncan shares the story behind Free Range Ocean , our non-profit we launched to bridge cruising life with citizen science. From coral reef surveys to microplastic collection, our Free Range Ocean Citizen Science Directory  now includes nearly 50 different ocean projects that cruising sailors can join at sea. We hope it's a nice reminder that every sailor is uniquely positioned to help gather data that researchers need to understand and protect the marine environment. Jon Amtrup, the host of the Explore North  podcast, is a lifelong mariner and storyteller. He's crossed the Atlantic multiple times, circumnavigated Svalbard, and sailed extensively along Norway’s dramatic coastlines — in both summer and winter conditions. Beyond miles under keel, Jon is also a respected journalist and author of several sailing books, including High Latitude Sailing  and Sail to Svalbard , and a fellow member of The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society. Jon's background as both a communicator and an adventurer makes him a natural fit for exploring the intersections of life at sea and the broader environmental pressures facing our oceans. For cruising sailors looking to get more involved in meaningful ocean work should tune in to the episode for ideas, inspo and encouragement! Duncan’s enthusiasm for accessible citizen science — paired with Jon’s thoughtful questions — make for a great conversation! You can listen to Podcast #187: Sailors for Ocean Science  on Explore North 's website or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’ve ever wondered how your next passage could make a real difference for the planet, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to set sail with purpose.

We are thrilled to share our citizen science directory with the Island Cruising community in the December Issue of Cruise News! Island Cruising provides cruisers in the South West Pacific with incredible support, education & connection including their brilliant Pacific Rallies. We took part in the Fiji Rally 2025 and will again join in 2026 with talks, seminars and citizen science demonstrations to help more cruisers participate in the South Pacific season! Here's our latest write up with them in their much-loved magazine. Read Cruise News Full Issue here Island Cruising Website here

In June we had a great time chatting to friend and fellow cruiser and Ocean Cruising Club member, Ben Shaw, who hosts the brilliant sailing podcast Out the Gate. Check out our episode #145 Inspiring Citizen Science: https://outthegate.podbean.com/e/freeranger-inspiring-citizen-science-ep-145/ It was such a pleasure getting to know Ben and his family during their 8,000-mile sailing trip the Pacific this past year. While anchored together in the lagoon of Bora Bora, Ben sat down with us to chat all things 'Free Range Ocean', navigating to Pitcairn Island and turning boat-kid-to-ocean-skipper .. and much more. Tune in here and see many other great episodes here:   https://outthegate.podbean.com/ Since wrapping up their big trip, he and his family are back in San Fran and while we miss them terribly on the high-seas (also for sundowners in beautiful places) there are two exciting things about that ... 1) Ben's an experienced science communicator with roots in journalism (National Geographic, public radio) and he's available for exciting and enriching work in ocean/climate communications or program management... get in touch with him via his LinkedIn. 2) SV Dovka is on the market in Tahiti after 40 years being sailed, loved and cared for by the same family - see here if you're dreaming of your own voyage in the South Pacific

On Thursday, August 21st, 2025, Conservation International and Free Range Ocean co-hosted a lively dialogue in Apia on the future of citizen science in Samoa. The session, held at Conservation International’s local offices, brought together sixteen representatives from government, academia, and NGOs to explore how everyday people—students, communities, and even visiting travelers like our crew—can play a vital role in building knowledge about Samoa’s environment and ocean. Citizen Science: Inclusive, Empowering, Essential We kicked things off after a welcome prayer by inviting everyone at the table to share a few words about what citizen science means to them. Participants described citizen science as a way to make science accessible to all, regardless of age, skill, or background - there was a lot of synergy in everyone's ideas and celebration of 'people power'. Other inputs were how citizen science is both empowering and practical: strengthening community participation in environmental management, fostering pride in Samoa’s natural heritage, and creating pathways for youth into science careers. Importantly, several participants raised how it also offers ways to integrate traditional ecological knowledge alongside modern research methods, ensuring cultural perspectives are honored. Lessons from Samoa’s Experience Sam Kwan, Principal Officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) (formerly of Conservation International), shared recent citizen projects trialed in Samoa—mangrove assessments, waste audits, coral restoration, and coral photogrammetry. These pilot projects revealed real enthusiasm from communities and schools, with the Guardians Programme gaining traction among youth networks. However, challenges remain: limited platforms to store and share data, gaps in expertise, and the need for practical, easy-to-follow methods that are safe and accessible for all. Looking ahead, expectations include clear data validation processes, provision of equipment, and building projects that are flexible across age groups and abilities. Free Range Ocean’s Perspective Duncan Copeland and Larissa Clark of Free Range Ocean (FRO) presented our own work—a sailing family and vessel committed to advancing marine citizen science globally. Through our open-access online directory of ocean projects, we’ve seen the power of linking curious travelers, yachties, and communities with research efforts. In Samoa, the potential is significant: citizen science could help fill knowledge gaps, provide valuable data on marine trends, and inform policy. Opportunities and Priorities The discussions highlighted clear opportunities for Samoa. While tourism and maritime sectors are presently under-engaged, there is great potential to involve resorts, hotels, and boaters in ecological monitoring utilising methodologies and tools already existing in the citizen science space. Voyaging and fishing communities offer rich networks for engagement. Traditional knowledge can be woven into environmental initiatives to strengthen both relevance and community ownership. Crucially, participants emphasized the importance of data transparency, ensuring information remains accessible and useful for all stakeholders. Recommendations for Action By the end of the dialogue, consensus formed around five key recommendations: The Development of a National Citizen Science Strategy  / Guidelines – with clear objectives, priority areas, and integration into policy. This is to be developed by Conservation International with input from many stakeholders ongoing. Create a Centralised Data Hub  – to validate, host, and share citizen science data. Engage Tourism and Maritime Sectors  – making citizen science a part of sustainable tourism offerings. Engage the international cruising community who annually sail through Samoa's waters to engage them in support of key action areas such as whale and turtle sight reportings using existing citizen science platforms / tools Identify existing citizen science tools, technologies and platforms any apply within the Samoan context and priority conservation areas Build Capacity and Support  – through training, safety guidelines, and provision of equipment. Raise Awareness and Visibility  – showcasing success stories and engaging schools and youth. A Connected Future The session closed with a sense of optimism. Citizen science is already happening in Samoa, but with a national strategy, stronger partnerships, and the involvement of communities, youth, and visitors, it has the potential to become a powerful force for conservation. As one participant noted, “These communities see things that we otherwise might not see.” Harnessing that local power, and connecting it to global efforts, is the path forward. Conservation International and Free Range Ocean are proud to support this journey—helping chart a future where every observation, whether from a student, villager, or sailor, helps keep Samoa’s ocean and environment thriving. We offer our deepest thanks to Conservation International for facilitating the meeting and for the attendees who joined in such a rich and informative dialogue. We look forward to further collaboration and supporting the engagement and participation of the cruising community. For any questions contact hello@freerangeocean.org

In August 2025 we wrote a special report for Yachting World Magazine on how sailors can get involved with ocean conservation and citizen science projects. You can read the main article on their website here: https://www.yachtingworld.com/cruising/the-ocean-citizen-science-being-carried-out-on-yachts-159606 And below is a special pull out interview with cruisers Sailing Tempus and Sailing Totem who we interviewed for the article too! Pick up a copy - the magazine issue is packed full of brilliant tips, articles and stories!

As a family sailing around the world, we wanted the Free Range Ocean directory to spotlight projects kids can do alongside parents or in class.   Use the Family Friendly  filter in our Ocean Citizen Science Project Directory  to discover even more ideas that match your route, region, or school topic. Sea Turtle Spotter (Upwell) Turtle on the bow? Log it! Sea Turtle Spotter invites families to record sightings (usually via iNaturalist or a simple form) to help researchers map movements, foraging areas, and habitat conditions over time. It’s an easy “see it, snap it, submit it” activity that turns curious kids into ocean detectives. Learn more in our directory:   https://www.freerangeocean.org/projects/sea-turtle-spotter   Free Range Ocean “See a turtle, snap a photo, log the location — tiny moments add up to big insights.” CoastSnap Beach day with a mission. Pop your phone into a fixed photo-point cradle  at a CoastSnap station, take a shoreline photo, and upload it. Thousands of repeat snapshots let scientists track beach change, erosion and storm impacts with surprising accuracy — a brilliant hands-on lesson in coastal science. Learn more in our directory:   https://www.freerangeocean.org/projects/coastsnap   Free Range Ocean “One quick photo, real coastal science — perfect for curious kids (and data-loving parents).” Marine Debris Tracker Turn a beach walk or dinghy ride into a clean-up + data mission. With the Debris Tracker app, families log each item they collect (caps, wrappers, fishing floats), feeding an open dataset used by educators and researchers. You’ll see your tally grow and spark great conversations about upstream solutions. Learn more in our directory:   https://www.freerangeocean.org/projects/marine-debris-tracker   Free Range Ocean The Big Seaweed Search If you’re in the UK, this “shore safari” gets kids looking closely at life between the tides. Choose a short stretch of coast, photograph and record target seaweed species, then submit your finds. Data helps track climate-linked changes, invasive species and ocean-acidification impacts — with clear ID guides to keep it fun. Learn more in our directory:   https://www.freerangeocean.org/projects/the-big-seaweed-search   Free Range Ocean ORCA OceanWatcher For cetacean-mad youngsters, ORCA pairs short online training with a simple app so you can log whale and dolphin sightings from shore, ferries or your own boat. Your observations help inform conservation work and protected-area planning across UK and European waters. Learn more in our directory:   https://www.freerangeocean.org/projects/orca-oceanwatcher   Free Range Ocean Project Typical time Where it works What you need Good to know Sea Turtle Spotter 5–10 mins per sighting Beaches, dinghy, at sea Smartphone & camera Check local wildlife-interaction rules; use zoom, no chasing. Free Range Ocean CoastSnap 2–3 mins at a station At CoastSnap photo points Smartphone Some beaches have multiple cradles — repeat over seasons. Free Range Ocean Marine Debris Tracker 10–30 mins per clean-up Shores, parks, marinas, decks Smartphone; bag & gloves Great for class challenges or marina clean-ups. Free Range Ocean The Big Seaweed Search 30–60 mins UK shoreline Phone/camera; ID sheet Choose a short transect; photograph target species. Free Range Ocean ORCA OceanWatcher 5–20 mins per watch Shoreline, ferries, private boats Training + app Short training recommended before first survey. Free Range Ocean Availability can change by season or location — check each directory page for current status and links to the organiser. Ready to get involved? Browse the full Ocean Citizen Science Project Directory , toggle Family Friendly , and pick a project that fits your next beach day, passage, or school activity. Free Range Ocean Know an ocean citizen science project we've missed out? Please tell us so we can get it added to the directory!

Freeranger in Maupihaʻa an atoll in the Leeward group of the Society Islands In June 2025 French Polynesia unveiled an ambitious and far-reaching marine conservation initiative at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. President Moetai Brotherson announced plans to designate the entirety of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – 4.8 million km² - as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), establishing the largest protected area in the world. This bold move reflects the region’s commitment to safeguarding its marine heritage, while aligning with global conservation goals. Within this huge area, 1.1 million km² will receive even more stringent protection under IUCN categories I and II—areas allowing only traditional activities and scientific pursuits. These include two core zones: 220,000 km² around the Society Islands and 680,000 km² near the Gambier Islands, where no extractive activities, such as industrial fishing or deep-sea mining, will be permitted. Additional zones for small-scale, artisanal fishing—limited to traditional pole-and-line methods from small vessels—will support cultural practices while maintaining ecosystem integrity. This incredible initiative not only elevates French Polynesia as a leader in ocean conservation but also underscores the power of local leadership, science, and ancestral knowledge working in concert. It sets a globally significant example, particularly for Small Island Developing States. The establishment of the MPA also blends modern governance with Indigenous stewardship. Brotherson emphasized that Polynesians have long managed these waters using ancestral knowledge. Surveys show overwhelming public backing: 92% of residents support marine protection. Eden snorkels with reef sharks in Fakarava's South Pass (Passe Tumakohua) - a famous diving location in French Polynesia , known for its "wall of sharks" where hundreds of grey reef sharks gather in the incoming current, offering an unforgettable experience for divers. This narrow, remote pass at the southern end of the atoll provides a spectacular display of marine life, including other shark species, Napoleon wrasses , and colorful reef fish, all within the protection of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Key Features: -          World’s largest marine protected area – Covers almost 5 million km² of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. -          Highly protected core zones – 1.1 million km² under IUCN category I–II protection, banning all extractive activities. -          Cultural and ecological balance – Allows only traditional, small-scale fishing in designated areas using artisanal methods. -          Global conservation leadership – Positions French Polynesia as a model for ocean governance and protection rooted in local and ancestral knowledge. When we visited: April – July 2025 Swimming with manta rays was a dream come true for our crew - Maupiti Island was a perfect place to experience their underwater world as these majestic fish gather in large numbers in the lagoon around a “cleaning station” where they get cleaned by small fish. Reflections: Many boaters feel that French Polynesia is up there with the very best places in the world to visit, to cruise, and to dive. Our three months there from April to July 2025 completely blew us away. In the  Gambier Islands we saw some of the healthiest and most beautiful coral we have seen anywhere in the world, a true coral garden. The Tuamotus were another world again, with the many species and sheer abundance of sharks being the highlight. In the Society Islands, the corals are less happy, but the manta rays in particular were a highlight, and the islands themselves are just breathtaking. Of the many initiatives that are ongoing, a particular one focusses on ensuring vessels have a minimum impact on the bottom – mooring buoys are becoming more common, and are often mandatory, and in other locations boaters are encouraged to ‘float’ their anchor chains to ensure they don’t drag over and destroy coral heads. We applaud the French Polynesia government for the Marine Protected Area announcement to further protect this beautiful region. X marks the spot - the crew of Freeranger in a moment of solitude in paradise Some Citizen Science Projects in the Ocean Directory that you can participate in: French Polynesia Manta Project Happywhale Sea Turtle Spotter Allen Coral Atlas   If you know of any other citizen science initiatives in French Polynesia we should include in the Directory please get in touch and let us know!

Key Features:   Vast scale and pristine ecosystems –  covers 834,000 km² of ocean, protecting some of the planet’s clearest waters, extensive coral reefs, and deep-sea habitats largely untouched by industrial activity.  Extraordinary biodiversity – Home to over 1,200 known species, including many endemic fish, migratory whales, sea turtles, and rare deep-sea organisms.  Strict protection measures – Enforced “no-take” zone prohibits all commercial fishing and extractive activities, allowing only limited, sustainable fishing for local use.  Strong community led citizen science - islanders contribute valuable observations by recording wildlife sightings, monitoring fish stocks, and noting environmental changes  When we visited: April 2025  Overview:  The Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve, one of the world’s largest protected ocean areas, is fascinating. It surrounds the four remote islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno in the South Pacific. In the early 2010s, local residents, conservation organizations, and the UK government began exploring ways to safeguard the area’s remarkably intact marine environment. After the 50 residents unanimously voted for the marine reserve, in March 2015, the United Kingdom officially designated the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve, protecting roughly 834,000 square kilometres (322,000 square miles) of ocean.  The reserve’s creation was strongly supported by the Pitcairn islanders, whose small population of around 50 people relies on the surrounding waters for both subsistence fishing and cultural identity. Recognizing that their isolation offered a rare opportunity to preserve a nearly untouched ocean ecosystem, they agreed to strict protections that ban large-scale commercial fishing. This local commitment ensured the reserve would safeguard biodiversity while allowing limited, sustainable fishing for community needs. International partners, such as the Pew Charitable Trusts, contributed research and advocacy, while the UK government provided legislative authority and enforcement systems, including satellite-based vessel monitoring.  Key features of the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve include some of the world’s clearest waters, extensive coral reefs, and seamount ecosystems that harbor over 1,200 known species, many found nowhere else. Its isolation has spared it from the impacts of industrial fishing and heavy pollution, making it a living laboratory for ocean health. Strict no-take rules preserve its rich biodiversity, from migrating whales and turtles to vibrant reef fish and rare deep-sea life. Today, the reserve stands as both a testament to small-island stewardship and a global model for large-scale, community-engaged marine conservation.  The success of an MPA rests on the shoulders of a local community. Citizen and community science was an important feature in both the creation of and ongoing stewardship of the reserve. Given the difficulty and cost of frequent scientific expeditions, islanders contribute valuable observations by recording wildlife sightings, monitoring fish stocks, and noting environmental changes in everyday life and via dedicated expeditions. Some use simple tools like logbooks, cameras, and even smartphone apps to document their findings, providing year-round data between formal research visits. This blend of traditional ecological knowledge and modern technology ensures that local experience feeds directly into global conservation efforts.  When ordinary citizens, as opposed to only brilliant scientists, are given the opportunity to participate in studies, and are encouraged to conduct some aspect of research by themselves, the change in ones outlook towards scientific research creates an infectious positive attitude among community members. Reflections:   Very once in a while, you get to make a lifelong dream come true.   I (Duncan) was 8 years old when the film Mutiny on the Bounty came out, starring a very young Mel Gibson and a slightly less young Anthony Hopkins. I didn’t know or care anything about the actors, but I can remember being gripped by the story of discovery and adventure, and of the idea of an island so remote, that no one could find you. In the following years as a ‘boat kid’ growing up onboard, and into adulthood, I had and continue to have a huge interest in historical naval novels, including anything and everything to do with the Bounty, and Pitcairn Island where the British mutineers and their Tahitian companions went to hide, and where their descendants continue to live to this day.  In adulthood, the Pitcairn Island group crossed into my radar in a very different way. My career focus has been on ocean conservation and particularly working on the issue of  illegal fishing, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). While most of my work has taken place in other regions of the world, in the early 2010’s I was for a short time on a working group that eventually led to the establishment of the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, set up to manage the huge areas of ocean that surround the  generally small and outflung British islands around the world, including in the Pacific.    Here also my interest crossed with Larissa’s, who has worked on a couple of projects that have focussed on the terrible plastic pollution that washes up on these remote islands, particularly Henderson. Despite its location far from any major population, Henderson Island has been billed the ‘most polluted place on earth’ - conservative estimates suggest that 3,500 to 13,500 new plastic items wash up on Henderson every day.   So, as we planned this ocean adventure that we’re on, a visit to the Pitcairn Islands was high on our list. In April, after a 3400 nautical mile crossing from Mexico (see our trip report here !) we made landfall on Henderson Island, staying for 2 days before the weather pushed us out and on to Pitcairn Island itself, where we managed to stay for 3 more, very bouncy days.   Henderson was wonderful, and heartbreaking. To land after a Pacific crossing at a truly remote and uninhabited Pacific islands was a privilege, and the unique vegetation and birdlife was incredible. However the plastic pollution is truly awful, and everywhere along the shoreline. Some of it had obviously been at sea for a long time, some looked very new. Fishing gear made up a large proportion of it, but we found everything from toys to shoes, plastic bags to bottles. Heartbreaking.  Pitcairn is truly the most welcoming place we have ever visited. That said, the anchorages are awful, and the landing frankly crazy. But once ashore, we have never felt more welcomed, or been somewhere that felt more peaceful than this island and it’s community - only 27 islanders were home at the time. To be able to explore Pitcairn and its history in person was just wonderful, and to learn more about this community, their lives, and their pride in their islands and the marine reserve was humbling - with special thanks to Bren, Simon, Miss T and all those who made our visit so special. A truly once in a life time experience. Examples of Citizen Science Projects in the Ocean Directory that you can get involved in:  Marine Debris Tracker   iNaturalist   Invasive Species in Pitcairn Islands   Other useful information:  If you're planning to visit Pitcairn Island by yacht be sure to read the Biosecurity leaflet about how to minimise your impact on the local environment and report any invasive species you see while visiting the island group - see it here.