On Earth Day this year, over 400 divers took to the waters off Florida’s east coast for the third annual “Reel It In For The Reefs” clean-up dives. Organized by Anna Bennett, director of operations for the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation, the event kicked off at the Riviera Beach marina. It’s hard to believe how much we can contribute when we come together like this—divers donned long-sleeved shirts emblazoned with the event logo, ready to make a difference.
The mission? To rid our beautiful reefs of harmful debris that can entangle turtles and damage marine ecosystems. This year, a whopping 25 dive boats joined forces, collecting over 725 kg of trash along with an estimated 190 km of fishing line. The statistics from previous years show just how necessary these clean-ups are: in 2024, 150 volunteers pulled out 340 kg of debris, while in 2025, 400 divers managed to collect 545 kg of trash and 154 km of monofilament. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against marine debris.
Why It Matters
Single-use plastics pose a serious threat to sea turtles, affecting them at every life stage—from hatchlings to adults. These plastics often enter the ocean from various sources like beaches, streets, and storm drains, wreaking havoc on our marine life. Turtles, with their unique anatomical structure, are particularly vulnerable; their downward-facing spines make it nearly impossible for them to regurgitate swallowed debris. This can lead to serious health issues, as ingested plastics can get trapped in their stomachs, making it tough for them to eat. Not to mention, entanglement in fishing gear and plastic netting is another peril they face daily. You can read more about these challenges on the Conserve Turtles site.
The clean-up dives not only focused on collecting debris but also included a second dive over shipwrecks, which divers recorded meticulously. It’s kind of thrilling to think about what lies beneath the surface! After a long day of diving, an after-party awaited the participants, where results were announced, and prizes were raffled off. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of a bunch of divers coming together for a good cause!
The Bigger Picture
As we dive deeper into the issue of marine debris, it’s essential to consider the larger context of plastic pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems. Long-term studies on the impact of plastic waste are still lacking, but current research indicates that the variety of stressors from plastics is an existential threat to these ecosystems. Healthy coral reefs, which could potentially offset losses elsewhere, are dwindling. They’re under siege from climate change, ocean warming, increased storm activity, and mass tourism. The coral bleaching phenomenon is spreading, and it’s a sobering thought that the stress factors could weaken ecosystems to the point of collapse.
Microplastics are not just a buzzword—they infiltrate the very foundation of marine life, affecting zooplankton and phytoplankton, which are critical to ocean health. These tiny particles are consumed by small crustaceans and other organisms, creating a ripple effect throughout the food chain. It’s a cycle that needs to be broken, and initiatives like “Reel It In For The Reefs” are vital in this fight.
The next clean-up dives are already scheduled for April 23, 2027, and there’s a new tool making waves: the Wildlife Impact Calculator. This handy resource encourages volunteers to track how their efforts help protect marine animals by removing plastic waste. Developed by the Ocean Conservancy, it’s based on peer-reviewed research and aims to empower everyday people to make a tangible difference in the fight against pollution.
If you’re passionate about our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Every little bit helps in preserving the beauty and health of our marine environments.