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As a passionate ocean advocate and Ambassador for the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) since 2023, and through his vessel’s participation in the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Programme, Ketchell supported three ocean science missions in on his journey.

SeaKeepers exists to connect that access with science. Founded 26 years ago, the organisation works with the private yachting community to support ocean conservation, marine research, citizen science, education, and community engagement.

The initiative is a global effort to map the ocean floor by 2030. Marco Island police joined the project a few months ago. 

Off Catalina Island, researchers are studying how small whales and dolphins respond to Navy underwater exercises—data that could help guide efforts to reduce harm. SeaKeepers’ longtime DISCOVERY Fleet Captain, Tom Petersen of D/Y Valkyrie, represents SeaKeepers (time mark starts at 7 minutes).

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew from Mermaid Spirit – one of the four yachts chartered from Prometheus Sailing – became citizen scientists for the International SeaKeepers Society, logging hazards and pollution on the Eyesea global database. Happily there was little to report on this occasion. 

The International SeaKeepers Society has released the International Green Guide to Boating, a free educational resource designed to help recreational boaters adopt simple practices that protect waterways while improving vessel performance and efficiency.

International SeaKeepers Society: This global non-profit engages the yachting community in ocean conservation. Alongside Ambassador Mike Golding OBE, participants will act as citizen scientists by reporting pollution and hazards to the Eyesea global database, turning offshore sailing into active environmental stewardship.

SeaKeepers supports Conquer the Island 2026 challenge through an onboard ocean conservation initiative focused on data collection and awareness.