Ahead of World Ocean Day, we sat down with Mikaela Julher, founder of CleanSea, to talk about what drives her mission to protect our oceans – and why collective action matters more than ever. What started as a school project has grown into a powerful movement removing tonnes of waste from coastlines and raising awareness about one of the world’s fastest-growing environmental challenges. In this Q&A, Mikaela shares her journey, the realities of ocean pollution, and how both individuals and businesses can help create lasting change.
What inspired you to start CleanSea?
CleanSea started as a UF project in school, originally founded by my twin brother. Since we graduated at the same time, I joined him after high school and together we decided to turn it into a full-time company.
For me, my motivation is about leaving a positive imprint behind me in my life. I want to know that my life leaves a positive impact on the world around me, and making sure we have a healthy planet is quite fundamental for all life on Earth.
Founders of CleanSea
What’s one thing people often misunderstand about ocean pollution?
I think a lot of people like to simplify the issue – and the solution – by looking for one responsible party. Is it older generations or younger ones? Companies or individuals? But when we collect trash and see where it comes from, one thing becomes very clear: it’s everyone. Some pollution comes from industry, some from private individuals, and some from systems that haven’t been sustainable for decades. The important thing is recognising that we all need to do better.
People also underestimate how much they can help the ocean. It’s true that a single person can’t remove all ocean pollution – but sometimes removing just one piece of trash can be the difference between life and death for a marine life. And for that fish, bird or seal, that choice means everything. And when we all make small impactful choices together, we make a massive difference for our planet.
Why is protecting our oceans more important than ever today?
Because every day we break a new world record for how much plastic exists in the ocean. Ocean pollution is one of the fastest growing environmental issues on the planet, and it will not get better unless we make changes.
What role can businesses play in creating a healthier ocean?
Businesses can play a huge role. It can be anything from organising volunteer clean-up days to reducing plastic consumption, educating employees, or supporting organisations like CleanSea that work with ocean protection every day – just like Greencarrier. When companies take responsibility, they also inspire customers and communities to do the same.
On World Ocean Day, what’s one action you’d encourage everyone to take?
Make at least one small choice for the ocean. People often underestimate how powerful small actions can be, but when millions of people make slightly better choices every day, the impact becomes enormous.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with CleanSea?
The most rewarding part for me has been the fact that I can say we’ve reached 100 metric tonnes of trash removed. Each day the amount of trash we’ve permanently removed from the ocean gets a little higher and the ocean is a little better off because of it. Every item we pick up is gone from the coastline and each kilo removed can save lives!
If you could share one message with the world this World Ocean Day, what would it be?
The ocean is not separate from us, and it is essential to all life on Earth. It regulates our climate, produces 50% of all oxygen on earth, and it is the source of all life on Earth.
To learn more about CleanSea and their important mission of protecting our seas, head to CleanSea’s website.
