Honoree Details

Merle Liivand is an Estonian-born Olympic swimmer, environmental activist, and five-time Guinness World Record holder known globally as “Merle the Mermaid.” Now based in Miami Beach, she has completed multiple long-distance monofin swims—including a record-breaking 30-mile swim in Biscayne Bay while collecting plastic waste—to raise awareness about ocean pollution. Inspired by polluted waters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Liivand launched her mission to fight marine debris. A childhood asthma survivor turned eco-athlete, she’s become a symbol of resilience and sustainability. Through her "Mermaid Minions" and public campaigns, Merle advocates for clean oceans and climate action, blending sport, storytelling, and environmental impact.