Celebrating GenSea’s Growth: A Year of Advocacy, Action, and Impact

As we reflect on the journey of GenSea over the past year, we sometimes can’t believe that the platform was launched only two years ago. Since our public launch in 2023, GenSea has grown into a thriving hub for young ocean advocates committed to protecting and restoring our planet's ocean. What started as a vision has grown into a powerful digital space where youth from 120+ countries are coming together to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change for our ocean and climate. 

At its core, GenSea is more than just an online platform - it's a movement. A global movement powered by the energy, creativity, and passion of young people who understand the urgent need to protect our oceans. 

From Online Community to Real-World Impact: A Year of Action

In 2024, nearly 260 members participated in virtual workshops, engaging with experts, leaders, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of our oceans.

Through our monthly AdvocaSEA workshops and virtual trainings, we’ve seen members hone their skills in advocacy, communication, and entrepreneurship skills, then put their knowledge into action. From learning about the impact of plastic pollution through the AdvocaSEA Workshop: Tackling Plastic Pollution through Citizen Science to leading community science initiatives through shoreline cleanups, GenSea members have turned inspiration into tangible impact! 

As our community grew by 56% to over 2,200 members in 2024, GenSea has created an interconnected space where youth from around the world can learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a global conversation on ocean and climate issues. 

This growth has fueled incredible momentum. Over the past year, we’ve watched our community come together, build skills, and take direct action to advance ocean protection. Here are just a few highlights of what we’ve accomplished together:

Advocacy & Policy Engagement:

·       Secured over 100 sign-ons for the Youth Sign-On Letter in support of protections for Blake Plateau.

·       Secured over 100 sign-ons for the Youth Sign-On Letter supporting the Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary nomination.

·       Submitted public comments on the United States National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy.

·       Celebrated the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the first Tribal-nominated national marine sanctuary in the U.S.

Workshops & Events:

·       Hosted 15 AdvocaSEA workshops, engaging nearly 260 participants.

·       Shared 83 virtual and in-person events for members to learn and connect.

Direct Action & Impact:

·       Launched the GenSea Shoreline Cleanup Challenge, engaging 144 participants across 23 registered cleanups, removing 567 pounds of trash from 15 miles of shoreline.

·       Introduced the GenSea Sustainable Blue Economy Grant Program to support six youth-led projects advancing a sustainable blue economy.

·       Shared 348 opportunities for members to gain new skills and take action.

This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead!

Looking Ahead: Exciting Changes on the Horizon

As we celebrate this milestone in GenSea’s growth, we’re also excited for what’s to come. Thanks to the valuable feedback from our community, we’re planning some exciting changes to the platform. These updates will enhance the experience for our members, making it even easier to collaborate, access new opportunities, and amplify your impact. We’re committed to evolving in response to your needs and ensuring that GenSea continues to be a space that supports the growth, development, and success of young ocean advocates like you.

Stay tuned - big things are coming soon! We can’t wait to share what’s next as we continue to build a powerful, youth-led movement to protect our ocean planet.