Fast fashion, the production of low-cost clothing, has a significant impact on the environment. It affects water bodies in multiple ways, including the release of clothing microfibers that harm marine life and the pollution of oceans through the discharge of clothing dye in wastewater. To enlighten a university-based community about the repercussions of fast fashion, SOA PNW is organizing a community clothing swap event. This project aims to encourage individuals to abandon unsustainable materials, promote the recycling of unwanted items, and educate the community about the environmental consequences of the fast fashion industry. Hub leader, Maria Alvarez is a current graduate student at Oregon State University studying Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry.

SOA Black Sea Hub will conduct a rigorous marine waste monitoring assessment along the Romanian coast then analyze the data and report it to the relevant authorities. They will leverage the publicity and engagement around Black Sea Action Day in October to organize a cross event of a run and educational awareness about the detrimental impact of litter on the sea and its diverse fauna. Hands-on workshops will be held to educate local students about conserving the three marine mammals of the Black sea as well as waste/consumption reduction behaviors. This project is being conducted in collaboration with Mare Nostrum, an NGO that has received past grants from SOA for marine litter monitoring and educational events.

The SOA Hong Kong Hub is leading a project that connects restaurants, fishermen, and students with the goal of restoring Hong Kong's marine ecosystems. This restoration will be achieved through the creation and deployment of ten shellfish reefs. These reefs will be constructed using discarded shells sourced from restaurants and fishermen, diverting them from landfills. 50 students will be selected to participate in the restoration which will include a talk on shellfish reef restoration, and a hands-on activity fabricating the shellfish reefs from the discarded shells. Biodiversity monitoring will take place a few months after implementation, by the students who will act as citizen scientists, identifying species and recording data to inform the results of the coastal restoration efforts. This project is being led by Rainbow, a PhD student at the University of Hong Kong studying ecosystem-based management of coastal habitats and associated ecosystem services.

Mexico is home to 6% of the world's total mangroves, placing it fourth among countries possessing this vital and delicate ecosystem. Recognizing the importance of this ecosystem, the SOA Mexico Hub is undertaking a project aimed at raising awareness about the value of mangroves, with a particular focus on younger generations in La Paz. The project seeks to achieve this through hands-on experiences that involve training students in scuba diving and educating them about mangrove ecology. These students will then have the opportunity to participate in scuba diving activities, allowing them to witness firsthand the interconnectedness of these environments both above the surface and underwater. This immersive experience will enable participants to identify various species and develop a deeper appreciation for the vital role mangroves play in the ecosystem. Project leader Valeria García is a biologist and has been leading the SOA Mexico chapter since September 2021, developing different projects in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and Cozumel Island in the Mexican Caribbean.

This project by SOA Charleston aims to raise awareness and promote intersectional stewardship through a film screening event centered around river conservation. The highlight of the event will be the screening of the documentary titled "River" in a local theater. Following the film, an expert panel will engage with attendees to discuss the pressing issues that the local rivers face and provide actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute towards overcoming these challenges. A portion of the proceeds generated from the event will be allocated towards the purchase of native tree and shrub species for the ongoing ecological restoration of Halsey Creek and the surrounding watershed, ultimately contributing to the preservation and improvement of the local river ecosystem. The project leader Grey Gowder, founded the nonprofit Enduring Curiosity, dedicated to promoting immersive education through film and media.

In a nationwide marine debris campaign conducted last year, 80% of waste collected from beaches in Brunei was identified as plastic. This project by SOA Brunei is seeking to address this issue and achieve self-sufficiency in recycling without imported equipment or materials, so that the capacity to recycle plastic waste exists locally. They will establish recycling machines and train local people on how to use them to create products from 100% locally sourced and recyclable plastic, enabling effective  waste management while diversifying Brunei's economy and encouraging recycling. Leader Shaimi Misli has received previous support from SOA to implement ocean conservation initiatives Save Kampong Ayer and AdvocaSea Camp.

The SOA MY Ocean Hope Hub's "Crisis to Cuisine" initiative seeks to address food security in Malaysia's coastal communities, which is becoming a growing concern against the backdrop of climate crises and the vulnerability of ocean resources. The project will install an urchin-algae co-culturing prototype, in hopes to foster the resilience of local communities in coastal areas while also training individuals, enabling them to attain the knowledge and expertise needed to manage urchin-algae co-culturing. Elvian Masli, a Marine Biology student and the leader of this project, will be conducting the prototype testing in the university lab.

In Saint Lucia, many of the youth lack exposure and knowledge of the marine environment due to a lack of equipment, training, and limited coverage of marine subjects in school curriculums. The SOA Caribbean Hub (Saint Lucia) in collaboration with their partner Caribbean WaterWays have committed to addressing this knowledge gap by offering snorkeling sessions and coral reef education in different communities across the country. This project offers Saint Lucian youth an opportunity to learn about marine ecosystems while engaging in exciting and educational activities. This educational program will involve other stakeholders, such as local experts and scientists, to help increase children's understanding of marine ecosystems and how they contribute to the ocean's health. Monique Calderon, the project leader, is an early career marine biologist currently working as a Fisheries Biologist with the Fisheries Department in Saint Lucia.

SOA Timor-Leste is hosting an Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, which aims to tackle the lack of awareness and understanding of ocean conservation among students and young people. By offering a range of engaging and interactive activities, such as a movie night dedicated to ocean conservation, hands-on involvement in mangrove restoration, and participation in sea turtle conservation efforts, the project seeks to empower students and young people. These activities serve as valuable education tools, enabling participants to grasp the significance of the oceans, comprehend the threats they face, and learn actionable steps they can take to protect them. This project is being led by Nelson Amaral, Program Coordinator at SOA Hub Timor-Leste since 2021.