What exactly is SeaLabs?
It is a citizen science project run by the Spanish marine conservation organisation, Ambiente Europeo (AE), which encourages sailors worldwide to collect seawater data and helps them to make a positive contribution.
Sailors on ocean crossings or long voyages can collect this data using a simple kit containing a sample container and a sensor to measure key parameters such as temperature, pH and salinity. The results can then be uploaded via a mobile app. This freely and publicly accessible data supports scientific research, raises awareness and helps to build a community of sailors who are dedicated to protecting the oceans.
What does this project mean to you on a personal level? What motivates you?
For me, the launch of the SeaLabs project is a dream come true. As a sailor, I have always felt the need to mobilise the sailing community. Living on the Canary Islands, I am surrounded by the sea. I work, live and care for this threatened natural environment.
It is very rewarding to connect with all the sailors who set off every winter to cross the Atlantic. They monitor the ocean's condition for us by conducting tests while at sea and sharing the results.
This growing community shares a deep love of sailing and the sea — its members are real people we know, not just points on a map, and they are becoming agents of change for our oceans. This project is a chance for me to give something back for all the unforgettable moments the sea has given me.
I am thrilled by the enthusiasm of the volunteer sailors who return from their trips eager to support SeaLabs with their experience and knowledge. For them, the project is an ongoing endeavour, not just a task to complete.
How has winning the "ocean tribute" Award impacted the project?
Winning the award came as a big surprise to the whole team, and has given us huge motivation to improve, advance and expand this project that we love so much. The "ocean tribute" Award recognises the group of people who have volunteered their expertise and collaborated on the project.
It also gives us the local visibility and recognition we need to move the project forward. We can now improve our sensor technology and reach out to young sailors in schools to educate them about ocean chemistry.
How will you use the prize money from the "ocean tribute" Award?
It will help us to strengthen the project in technical, organisational and communication terms. A key goal is to enhance our sensor technology and further refine the kits to make them more user-friendly for citizen science projects. We are at the beginning of an exciting journey, combining our passions for sailing, marine protection, public engagement and citizen science to protect the ocean.
What was your experience of the award ceremony at boot 2025?
It was an incredibly exciting experience! I made friends with the other award finalists, who have all done amazing work, and boot is a fantastic event and an important meeting place for the sailing community. I was delighted to present the SeaLabs project and meet the people who make it possible, as well as the passionate community who understand the importance of building a loyal ocean network ready to take real, practical action. Many great questions were asked that evening, and meaningful conversations were held — connections that have lasted ever since.
