Recover 5 Million Pounds of Ocean Plastic

OBP Plastic Disaster Relief Program Report

2nd Quarter 2025

May 20, 2025

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,

The Ocean Blue Project is delighted to share the remarkable accomplishments of our Plastic Disaster Relief Program as we progress into 2025. As stewards of the ocean, we remain committed to combating plastic pollution and safeguarding the health of our coastlines and waterways for future generations.

Progress in the Chesapeake Bay Area

The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, is vital to ocean health, serving as both a marine habitat and a natural filtration system for water entering the Atlantic Ocean. Our team has made tremendous strides tackling plastic debris and pollutants that threaten this critical watershed.  

To date, Ocean Blue staff and volunteers have cleaned up over 250,000 pounds of plastic and debris in 2025. This progress is a significant contribution, as we near the halfway point of our ambitious 5 million pound goal. Our lifetime impact now reaches over 2.4 million pounds of waste and debris cleaned up!

While our Create a Cleanup program continues to mobilize volunteers across the U.S., much of the Chesapeake Bay area’s success came through the relentless efforts of our Ocean Blue team. These efforts require specialized resources, including equipment and dedicated personnel to manage on-ground and in-water cleanup operations.

Milestone Achievement

In 2023, Ocean Blue Project surpassed our goal of removing 1 million pounds of plastic and debris. Inspired by this success, our 2026 target has been set at 5 million pounds of debris removal. We are less than 100,000 pounds away from reaching the halfway point to this ambitious goal. Our efforts continue to be bolstered by the unwavering support of volunteers, partners, and our skilled teams.

Plans for 2025: East Coast Headquarters

As we build upon our successes, 2025 marks a pivotal year for the Ocean Blue Project. We are thrilled to announce development is underway at the newly established East Coast Regional Headquarters and Education Station in Lottsburg, Virginia.

This new facility will:

1. Serve Lower Potomac River Watershed and Chesapeake Bay communities by acting as a vital operational hub for youth education and cleanup activities.
2. Provide a staging ground for sorting debris for upcycling projects, which promote sustainability through creative reuse.
3. Engage youth through our OBP Blue Schools initiative, recognized as a Green Citizen Project by UNESCO.

This development represents a significant step forward in addressing plastic pollution in the dynamic Chesapeake Bay region while strengthening community ties.

Challenges and Opportunities

To continue expanding our reach in 2025 and beyond, key challenges must be addressed, including:

1. Securing funding for a vessel to enhance the efficiency of water-based cleanups.
2. Developing the Lottsburg facility, ensuring it meets the needs of the program.
3. Obtaining multi-year grants to create stable job opportunities for program coordinators and expand community engagement.

Call to Action

The efforts of Ocean Blue Project depend on the support of dedicated individuals and partners. As we move further into 2025, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating, your support will be instrumental in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world ocean.

Together, we can reach new milestones and ensure a brighter future for our waterways. Thank you for being an essential part of the Ocean Blue Project mission.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

The Ocean Blue Project Team