Ocean Hero of the month - Matthew Breedon

Who are you?

My name is Mat. I am originally from Canada, however, I now currently reside in the most beloved of all bros, Nørrebro. Before Copenhagen, I had been hanging around Canada for a few years, doing things, until I stumbled across rumours of free education in Germany. So, after much deliberation (not much), I moved my life over to the land of lederhosen to get smart and become a German. Long story short, the schooling was grand, the people were grander but what was even grander(er) was the passion I had discovered for river surfing and the water. Over the next 5 years, I most assuredly spent more time in the water river surfing than I did in the university and as a result I amassed a crazy collection of neo suits, gloves, goggles, booties, diving cameras etc. Fast forward a bit and I relocated to Copenhagen, to become a Dane. Here I quickly realized that surfing in Copenhagen wasn't really a thing, but they did have heaps of water. So I decided to use all that leftover surf gear to start a water cleanup program in all the channels around the city. 

What are you doing these days?

Corona disagreed with many of my summer plans, so these days I’m sitting tight waiting for the Danish summer to begin. I spend most of my time in my office where I do developing things for a software/wine company. I go diving in my spare time. 

When did the ocean become important for you?

I grew up in a cold, beachless part of Canada, which I found quite excellent. However, when I was 23 I decided I found beachlessness less excellent and moved to Australia. That was when I first met the ocean.

What role does the ocean play in your life? 

In Copenhagen, I work a stone's throw away from the main harbour (I can throw very far) and being that I am always very close to the water, I like to jump in it very often. It provides me with a feeling of freedom and adventure. 

What do you do to take care of the ocean?

I love free diving as deep as I can and searching for treasure, but the only treasure I ever find is garbage, aqua garbage. So I decided to start collecting everything I found down there and donate it to the garbage can. However, many times the donations were too large and too valuable, scooters, bikes, etc.I called the owners of the larger aqua garbage and told them to come pick up. However, many of these companies resisted, stating it wasn't worth it to them to retrieve their things.So I called the municipality to ask them if they also thought it wasn't worth it.A little while later I got a call back from those scooter and bike companies explaining to me how they also thought it was worth it. 

That's how I started my cleanup organization to take care of the ocean.

What is the most interesting/surprising thing you’ve found in the ocean?

I found a 10th century viking battle axe. The university stole from me.I'm more partial to the European Eels, however, I see them deep in the main harbour, doing eel things. 

Any tips for taking care of the ocean?

Don't litter on the ground. It will get blown into the water. Think of the eels.

What is your happiest ocean memory? 

I got attacked by an octopus while diving in Croatia. I believe I may have offended him/her with my offensive looks and aggressive swim style. I did survive the attack, however, the memory and the lesson still remain; I need to protect the octopuses and not offend them.