19 September 2026

Partners sought for an ambitious nationwide project combining exploration, citizen science, education and community engagement

Broadcaster, marine biologist, writer and conservationist Monty Halls is inviting businesses and organisations from across the marine industry to support the Coastal Legacy Expedition – an ambitious multi-year project designed to reconnect communities with Britain’s coastline and inspire a new generation of marine advocates.

Beginning in spring 2027, Monty will sail around the entire coast of Britain aboard Sobek, a specially equipped 34-foot ketch. The route will take in 49 ports and harbours across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, creating opportunities to work with schools, sailing clubs, community groups and local businesses along the way.

At the heart of the expedition is the Big Blue Bag, an accessible citizen-science system that allows people of all ages and levels of experience to record four important indicators of ocean health: sea-surface temperature, microplastics, coastal debris and seabird populations.

Big Blue Bags will be placed with schools, clubs and local ocean advocates around the country, helping to establish a nationwide coastal sampling network. The information collected will be uploaded to an app, building a valuable database while enabling communities to become long-term custodians of their own stretches of coastline.

Alongside the scientific and educational programme, the expedition will generate regular social media content, local and national media coverage, talks and events, culminating in a feature documentary. Monty and the team also plan to return to participating communities in 2028 to share their findings and celebrate the contributions of partners and volunteers.

The project is now seeking a small number of like-minded partners to help support its delivery. Opportunities include backing the circumnavigation, travel and logistics, Big Blue Bags for local groups, and film and media production.

Businesses interested in supporting the expedition or discussing a potential collaboration can contact Monty at monty@seadogproductions.co.uk. Further information is available at www.montyhalls.co.uk.