Empowering Ocean Stewards, a project designed to engage youth as citizen scientists, investigate marine plastic pollution, and contribute valuable data to global research, has completed its 1-year pilot phase successfully.
The key to its success was collaboration!
From November 2024 to June 2025, Goumbook worked hand-in-hand with donors, educational institutions, and dedicated volunteers to deliver a program that combined ocean literacy with hands-on scientific research opportunities for high school students. Strong partnerships with the school and university partners ensured a smooth roll-out and active participation throughout, turning donor commitment into tangible impact.
What collaboration made possible:
- 100 high-school students (Grade 10, AKAIS) learned about ocean literacy and plastic pollution.
- Two field sampling seasons along Sharjah’s coastline.
- 38 students trained in collecting macro-, meso-, and microplastic samples.
- Two laboratory sessions at AUS, analyzing samples using density separation and FTIR.
- Data on common macroplastics (fishing gear, food wrappers, cigarette butts, bottle caps, plastic bags) and the most common microplastic types (Polyethylene and Polypropylene) were shared with global marine litter databases.
18 university mentors and volunteers providing technical support and guidance.
This partnership-driven approach empowered students to become true ocean stewards while building stronger connections between science, education, and community action.
The Empowering Ocean Stewards project demonstrates that when donors, students, educators, and scientists unite, impact multiplies.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners for making this collaboration possible. Together, we’ve shown how science can drive action and education can inspire lasting stewardship. The project was made possible through the close collaboration of Goumbook, Al Kamal American International School – Al Azra (AKAIS), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS), with funding from Atlantis Atlas Project and advisory support from POGO and VLIZ. We are also proud that the results of this project will contribute to the global efforts of Ocean Conservancy, helping to inform broader research and advocacy on marine litter. We are immensely grateful to all our partners for their support and collaboration, which has been essential in transforming this program into a real, lasting impact.