Amidst the vast oceans lies an invisible home—a warm haven for marine life. Every leap of these sea creatures among the waves is a yearning for freedom and belonging. In today’s challenging times, the mission to protect these beautiful beings is more important than ever. For marine animals harmed by the ingestion of plastic waste, returning to the sea is not just a matter of survival, but of returning home.
The volunteers of ICSO’s “Heart of the Blue” charity project are guardians of this oceanic warmth. With selfless dedication, they traverse the waves, offering rescue and relief to wounded marine life. Every rescue is a dialogue with the soul of the ocean—a gesture that spreads love and hope to every life longing for home. Through their tireless efforts, these marine creatures can once again feel the soothing waves and the warmth of the sun, welcoming back the sky that rightfully belongs to them.
ICSO Outstanding Volunteer
Profile: Jiang Shan
Department: ICSO·UK (United Kingdom Branch)
Field of Study: Educational Psychology, University College London
While studying in London, Jiang Shan—a passionate diver—was drawn to marine conservation after a personal experience by the sea. One day during a dive, she came across a turtle entangled in plastic waste. Witnessing the creature’s helpless struggle deeply moved her. At that moment, she happened to be participating in a marine debris cleanup operation. She quickly contacted our team to report the incident, prompting us to assemble a rescue crew immediately.
At the rescue site, Jiang Shan was fully engaged. The turtle, having been entangled for a prolonged period, was weak and unable to float on its own. To keep the turtle safe, Jiang stayed in the water, holding it steady to prevent it from tipping over and inhaling water. She observed the turtle closely, constantly adjusting her position to protect it. While the on-site conservationists quickly crafted a floatation device, Jiang encouraged other volunteers to remain calm, helping the team work more efficiently. Eventually, after continuous shifts and efforts, the team managed to bring the injured turtle to shore. Its wounds were severe, so a professional veterinarian and conservationist were immediately contacted. Jiang volunteered to document the turtle’s condition and maintained communication with the medical team to ensure timely treatment. She even shared the rescue updates on social media, drawing public attention and support for the cause.
In the following days, Jiang participated in the rescue efforts daily. Despite physical and mental exhaustion, she remained committed, quietly providing support and assistance. Witnessing the turtle slowly recover brought her immense relief. After the mission ended, she proactively joined the ICSO UK branch’s “Heart of the Blue” marine conservation project. During an evening chat with fellow volunteers, she shared:
“I hope my efforts can help change the current state and give a voice to the voiceless. The ocean holds deep emotional significance for me—those beachside moments with my family during childhood made me cherish this blue home even more. I want to protect it with concrete actions and leave behind a healthier environment for the future.”
In the second phase of “Heart of the Blue,” Jiang took part in marine quality testing tasks, immediately joining surveys across multiple coastal regions in the UK. Along with her team, she visited various beaches to record the types and quantities of marine waste. During these investigations, Jiang was responsible not only for data collection but also actively participated in the cleanup, focusing particularly on common waste items such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, and broken fishing nets.
To ensure safety and efficiency, she prepared gloves, trash bags, and grabbers for each volunteer. She also used specialized nets to collect hard-to-remove microplastics, aiming to minimize disturbance to marine habitats. Eager to gain deeper insights into ocean pollution, Jiang volunteered for extended underwater surveys. Facing strong currents and challenging environments, she spent over four hours in the water—shivering from the cold yet never complaining. She tirelessly searched the seafloor for buried waste, enduring water pressure and low temperatures while staying focused. Every dive, she worked within limited oxygen supplies to film and document the types of debris on the ocean floor, striving to provide a comprehensive picture of the marine environment. This process gave her a profound understanding of the severity of ocean pollution and fueled her determination to protect it further.
After completing the marine quality tests, Jiang and her team created posters warning against littering. They brainstormed content and design ideas to ensure the signs would catch tourists’ attention and effectively communicate the importance of environmental protection. Jiang took charge of the layout and design, using vivid illustrations and concise text to enhance appeal. These posters were then displayed on major beaches and tourist areas to raise public awareness.
In this battle for marine conservation—one without smoke or gunfire—Jiang Shan demonstrated unwavering commitment, spreading compassion and hope through action. She exemplifies the responsibility and resolve of the younger generation. As a student volunteer abroad, Jiang participated deeply in ocean quality testing and waste removal efforts, logging over 300 hours of service. She visited numerous beaches and protected marine zones, bringing crucial relief to countless marine lives. Her dedication not only provided tangible care for these creatures but also awakened public awareness. Through collective effort, we can help our oceans thrive once again.