HX Launches The Big Blue Bag Project with Monty Halls, Aimed at Marine Conservation

The announcement was made at inaugural Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) conference where Halls and HX Foundation chair Tudor Morgan headlined as ‘Inspirational Speakers’

In an exciting new initiative, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) has partnered with marine biologist and broadcaster Monty Halls to launch The Big Blue Bag project. This pioneering citizen science initiative is set to engage communities across the UK in marine conservation efforts, with support from the HX Foundation, which champions environmental and community-led projects in destinations visited by HX cruises.

The Big Blue Bag project empowers individuals and communities to take direct action in protecting waterways and oceans. Participants will receive a specially designed “Big Blue Bag,” equipped with tools and easy-to-follow instructions to collect vital data on marine health. The initiative will focus on gathering information on microplastics, biodiversity, and coastal debris, with the data uploaded to a global database to aid conservation research worldwide.

This project aligns with HX’s long-standing commitment to marine protection, echoing the conservation and education work already happening on their expedition cruises. Onboard, guests can engage in hands-on science activities in state-of-the-art science centres, and HX donates over 1,800 cabin nights annually to support guest scientists conducting research.

Monty Halls expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting how the project builds on work he started on the Isle of Man, a UNESCO Biosphere. The pilot project in the UK will be funded by the HX Foundation and aims to grow into a nationwide movement, eventually expanding globally. Over 50 communities across the UK will receive co-branded Big Blue Bags, encouraging local involvement in protecting marine environments.

Henrik A. Lund, Managing Director of the HX Foundation, added that the project perfectly aligns with their mission to engage the public in meaningful conservation efforts while fostering a deeper understanding of ocean health.

This collaborative project is poised to become one of the UK’s most exciting citizen science initiatives by 2025, combining education and action to make a tangible impact on ocean biodiversity.

For more information on The Big Blue Bag and to stay updated on its progress, visit HX’s official site.

This post highlights HX’s innovative efforts to promote marine conservation through community engagement, supported by renowned figures like Monty Halls. Stay tuned as this initiative takes shape and expands across the UK.