We’ve spent the past 20 months sailing across the Pacific aboard sv FREERANGER with a simple idea at the heart of what we do: the ocean is vast, dynamic, and still deeply under-observed — and the more of us who are paying attention, the more we can understand and protect it. We’ve come to learn that oceanic manta rays sit right at the centre of that story. These extraordinary animals — reaching up to seven metres across — move vast distances each year, linking ecosystems, coastlines and communities. They are part of a much bigger Pacific story — moving through vast bluewater corridors that connect ecosystems, coastlines and communities. And yet, people still know remarkably little about oceanic manta rays — globally, and here in Aotearoa New Zealand, one of the most important parts of their migratory corridor. That gap in knowledge remains one of the biggest barriers to protecting them effectively. This is exactly the work of Manta Watch New Zealand — a small, deeply committed team building the country’s only dedicated oceanic manta ray research programme. Alongside their scientific work, they run a national citizen science observation programme (that you’ll find in our directory!), enabling sailors, fishers, divers and coastal communities to contribute sightings that form the backbone of what we know about these animals. From just a handful of records to now recording hundreds of sightings in a single season, that collective effort is beginning to reveal where oceanic manta rays travel, how they use these waters, and what protections they need. Expanding the Picture: Citizens of the Sea Alongside this, we’ll also be contributing to Citizens of the Sea — an initiative rethinking how we observe life in the ocean at scale. For decades, the challenge has been simple: the ocean is too vast, and traditional research vessels too expensive to monitor at scale. But there are already thousands of vessels moving across it every day. Citizens of the Sea turns that reality into an opportunity. Using a small, custom-designed torpedo-shaped device towed behind the boat, we can collect environmental DNA samples in just a few minutes. Every litre of seawater contains traces of thousands of species — from microscopic plankton to whales — allowing scientists to detect life that is never seen. It’s a small act, but a powerful one. By equipping sailing vessels already crossing the Pacific, the project is building one of the largest distributed ocean monitoring networks in the world — turning passages at sea into opportunities for discovery. Taking It Offshore In May and June 2026, we’ll be bringing these ideas together at sea. As Freeranger sails north from New Zealand towards Tonga, we’ll be: joined on board by Lydia Green, founder and project director of Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand (MWNZ), as we follow and contribute to research along part of the oceanic manta ray migratory corridor in real time collecting eDNA samples as part of Citizens of the Sea — contributing to a global catalogue and deeper understanding of the marine life moving through this region continuing to contribute depth readings to SeaBed2030’s global effort to map the seabed reporting marine and birdlife sightings to global open-source databases using tools such as iNaturalist and Happy Whale and others. Together, we’ll explore how this corridor connects Aotearoa to the wider South Pacific — part of a much larger system shaped by species moving through vast bluewater corridors. Why It Matters This is what Free Range Ocean is here to do: connect people with credible, meaningful ways to contribute to ocean science — and to make that participation part of real journeys. Science doesn’t only happen on research vessels or in laboratories. It can also happen on passage — between sail changes, watch systems and the everyday routines of life at sea. Understanding the ocean depends on both dedicated expeditions and many people, in many places, contributing over time. It’s those combined observations that help us join the dots. And every observation counts. You can find all of these brilliant citizen science projects in our free, open-access Ocean Citizen Science Directory — alongside many more that you can take part in yourself, whether you’re on the beach, inshore, or offshore. Follow along as we share the journey, the science, and what we’re learning along the way. Free Range Ocean (our new official Instagram channel) Behind the scenes with the Free Range Crew on Instagram Meet Lydia and Learn more about Manta Watch Aotearoa NZ Find out how citizen scientists are helping catalogue marine life using eDNA samples

At ‘A Day of Exploration’ in Monaco on March 24, 2026 — hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with The Explorers Club — the room was filled with extraordinary perspectives. From ocean conservation to space exploration, the shared thread was clear: understanding our world is key to protecting it. Amid voices like world-renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle and Arctic explorer (and friend!) Andreas B Heide, what stood out to us at Free Range Ocean was the emphasis on something deeply practical — how people can actually take part. A heartfelt thank you to Emily Cunningham MBE for including the Free Range Ocean Citizen Science Directory in her presentation during the Captains' Forum (Watch the presentation below). Emily’s work consistently bridges awareness and action, and in Monaco she showed exactly how boaters and ocean users can meaningfully contribute to science — no lab coat required. Alongside this, it was inspiring to see other tangible pathways highlighted, including the work of the International SeaKeepers Society. As part of the SeaKeepers Discovery Yacht Programme, Freeranger  actively participates in several of their citizen science initiatives — a reminder that these opportunities are not only accessible, but already being integrated into real cruising life. We’re equally grateful to Maiwenn Beadle, the pioneering “Ice Queen” of the Arctic and the first woman to captain a superyacht through the Northwest Passage, for bringing this conversation into the room. Her leadership in shaping the session — and championing Free Range Ocean’s involvement — made this moment possible. Larissa is a member of The Explorers Club, so it was especially meaningful to see this connection between exploration and participation so clearly expressed and although we couldn't be there in person this time, we surely will next! Because while exploration often celebrates the extraordinary, the future of ocean understanding depends on something more collective: many people, doing small things, consistently. Thank you, Emily and Maiwenn, for helping show that everyone has a role to play — and that the most powerful discoveries often begin with simply paying attention. Watch the full Captains' Forum recording. Scroll to 1:05.26 for Emily Cunningham's presentation https://www.youtube.com/live/JU6h09LjTR8?si=cxmmFzt6DAJrHOtv For more info: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/24/3261246/0/en/Scientists-and-explorers-unite-at-the-Yacht-Club-de-Monaco-for-A-Day-of-Exploration.html

There’s a particular energy in a room full of women who have chosen the sea. At the recent Women on Water gathering, hosted by the Bluewater Cruising Association , our co-founder Larissa Clark opened the weekend with a welcome keynote that set the tone not with grand declarations, but with something far more resonant: honesty. At Free Range Ocean, our work is rooted in the belief that everyday ocean users can play a meaningful role in understanding and protecting the sea. Over the past 18 months, Larissa, Duncan, and their two children have been living that out aboard Freeranger — sailing across the Pacific while contributing to citizen science projects, connecting with local communities, and sharing the realities of life at sea. Her talk, Sailing With Purpose (Even When You’re Green Around the Gills) , reflected that same ethos. It wasn’t about polished expertise or perfect passages, but about starting before you feel perfectly ready, when you just feel 'ready enough' — and discovering what you’re capable of along the way. A thread that ran strongly throughout was confidence. Not as something you wait for, but something you build through action. Through saying yes before you’re certain. Through learning by doing. Through showing up anyway. It was a fitting opening to the Women on Water weekend: grounding, energising, and quietly emboldening. A big thank you to the Bluewater Cruising Association for the invitation. Women on Water (WOW) is their annual event dedicated to supporting, connecting, and building confidence among women at all stages of their sailing journeys — from first steps to ocean crossings. Because if there was one message that stayed with the room, it was this — you don’t have to feel ready to begin.

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!