How can we protect our ocean while also helping our coastal communities? In our latest episode of Ocean Collaborations, Jan Maisenbacher talks with Wietse van der Werf. He is the founder of the Sea Ranger Service, a bold social enterprise that is changing how we think about marine conservation. 🚢

10 (!) years of ocean impact: Sea Ranger Service

Wietse believes that to save our seas, we must move beyond traditional charity. His “impact business model” treats ocean health as a service that creates real jobs. By using a business structure, he can scale faster and stay independent. This approach shows that doing good for the planet can also be a sustainable way to run a company.

Key topics of this episode

* SeaRanger Service’s impact on ocean restoration and youth employment

* Innovative funding models for marine conservation

* Cross-sector partnerships with navy, industry, and government

* Seagrass restoration as a climate and biodiversity solution

* The role of social entrepreneurship in ocean health

Why social entrepreneurship works for the ocean

* It creates a steady flow of money that does not depend only on grants or donations.

* It allows for faster growth by using proven business tools like franchising and global scaling.

* It focuses on clear results that balance nature restoration with economic success for people.

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How social (ocean) entrepreneurs are restoring the ocean and creating jobs

The “how” is just as inspiring as the “why.” The Sea Ranger Service builds its own sailing work ships to keep a low carbon footprint. They run boot camps where navy veterans train unemployed youth to become the next generation of ocean guardians. This creates a powerful cycle of social and environmental impact. 🤝

How this model helps coastal communities:

* It offers purpose-driven careers to young people who may feel left behind by the economy.

* It uses the skills of veterans to provide high-quality training and mentorship in maritime roles.

* It helps nations manage Marine Protected Areas that would otherwise be left unmonitored.

Wietse’s story is one of courage and innovation. He shows us that we don’t have to choose between a healthy ocean and a strong economy. We can have both if we are brave enough to build new systems. 🌟

Join the ocean collaborations change maker community and keep on learning how you can apply the tools and processes discovered in the podcast to your own work. In 2026 we are building a diverse ecosystem of professionals who are ready to transform the blue economy. Let’s move from awareness to action - together. 🌍

If you are interested to learn more, simply subsribe to the Substack chat:

Linklist

* Sea Ranger Service website: https://searangers.org/

* Sea Ranger Bootcamp (how they train youth): https://searangers.org/bootcamp/

* Sea Ranger Webshop: https://searangers.org/shop/

* Sumthing, platform for public contributions: https://www.sumthing.org/projects/SR-001/restoring-seagrass-in-the-eastern-scheldt#evaluation

* Sea Ranger franchising model: https://searangers.org/academy/

* Seagrass restoration: https://searangers.org/nature-restoration/

* For more personal approach, you can find Sea Ranger stories here: https://searangers.org/blog/

LinkedIn:

* Connect with Wietse Van Der Werf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wietsevdwerf/

* Follow the company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searangersorg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searangersorg/

Ashoka Social Entrepreneurship Network: https://www.ashoka.org/en

The other two mentioned ocean social entrepreneurs:

Bren Smith (US west coast): building a blue-green economy centered on a 3D ocean farm that will restore oceans and re-invent the fishing profession.Hanli Prinsloo (South Africa): founded the I am Water Foundation to create safe, immersive experiences that reconnect young people to the world beneath the waves.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com