Cleaner seabeds

Led by the Pearl Protectors and supported by the Lanka Environment Fund, Cleaner Seabeds is a national initiative tackling one of Sri Lanka’s most urgent environmental challenges, marine pollution.

Each year, tonnes of waste, particularly ghost nets, sink to the seabed, damaging coral reefs, endangering marine species and threatening coastal livelihoods. This project brings together divers, scientists and local communities to remove debris, support ecosystem recovery and raise awareness about sustainable practices.

To date, thousands of kilograms of marine litter have been cleared from high-risk zones including Trincomalee and Colombo, with early signs of coral regeneration already visible.

Cleaner Seabeds is part of a broader strategy to restore ocean health, engage coastal communities and reduce plastic pollution through education and innovation.

Photo credit: Edges of Earth – Adam Moore and Marla Tomorug