By Frederick Christopher – Development Advisor, Ocean Integrity
Captain Kieran Kelly is not just the founder of Ocean Integrity, he is the driving force behind one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to tackle plastic pollution. His journey began not with corporate boardrooms or government institutions, but with a deep connection to the ocean and a determination to act where others only talked.
For decades, Captain Kelly worked on and around the water, witnessing firsthand the devastating rise of plastic waste in rivers, along coastlines, and across the open seas. He saw fishermen struggling to make a living while competing with plastic-choked waters, and he recognized that the problem was not simply one of pollution, but of livelihoods, survival, and dignity. Instead of turning away, he made it his life’s mission to confront it.
Eight years ago, he founded Ocean Integrity, investing millions of dollars of his own resources into developing systems that remove plastic from the ocean and recycle it responsibly. He built partnerships with communities in some of the world’s poorest coastal regions, creating an innovative model where local fishermen and waste pickers are paid to collect plastic alongside their traditional work. This not only reduced pollution but also provided families with new sources of income.
Under his leadership, Ocean Integrity has grown into one of the largest ocean plastic collection and recycling initiatives in the world. From pioneering the MPED (Micro-Plastics Elimination Device) to inventing the Aquatherm Disruptor, a breakthrough system designed to restore marine ecosystems, Captain Kelly has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. He also insisted on full transparency, integrating blockchain technology to trace every kilo of plastic collected, verified, and recycled.
But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering integrity. At a time when greenwashing is widespread, Captain Kelly has always stood firm on accountability. Every bottle, every bag, every net of plastic collected is documented, verified, and traceable, ensuring that promises match reality. His work has inspired communities, corporations, and changemakers across the globe to see that solving the plastic crisis is not only necessary but achievable.
Today, Captain Kieran Kelly is recognized as a pioneer, not just for the technologies he has helped create, but for his vision of a world where oceans are clean, ecosystems are thriving, and local communities benefit from the solutions. His story is proof that one person’s courage, persistence, and integrity can spark a global movement.
