Youth-led marine litter action project in Iceland’s Arctic gateway.
Ongoing
Akureyri, Iceland
Project Overview
The Akureyri Coastal Cleanup is a community-driven youth project focused on removing marine litter from the coastal areas around Akureyri, Iceland. Led by volunteers and supported by the organization Ocean Missions, the initiative aims to reduce waste, engage the public, and document the types of marine debris found along Arctic shorelines.
Why It Matters
Marine pollution is an urgent issue in the Arctic. This project tackles pollution at its source, providing both immediate environmental benefits and long-term data for researchers and decision-makers. It also raises public awareness about the importance of keeping coastal ecosystems clean and healthy.
How It Works
- Organized cleanups in key shoreline areas around Akureyri.
- Collection and categorization of waste.
- Data logging for research purposes and public reports.
- Workshops and events to engage local communities.
Impact & Results
- Dozens of kilos of litter removed per cleanup.
- Data shared with scientific networks and Arctic marine litter databases.
- Featured in Icelandic media such as Vísir.
- Increased youth participation and local community action.
Media & Reports
Get Involved
Interested in starting a similar project in your area? Visit our Action Toolkit to learn how to organize a coastal cleanup step by step.