Together, we’ve hit 400,000! That’s 400K pieces of trash removed and reported from volunteer divers like you since 2011. Everything from toilet seats to plastic bags – you can see all the dirty details including a growing tally of trash items, the breakdown trash types and the individual dive survey details on the interactive Dive Against Debris map.

While this is a huge feat, I realize it’s an unlikely celebration. After all, it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of trash still out there, and the amount entering the ocean each year. But here at Project AWARE, we’re optimistic because more than 20,000 of us in 60 countries are taking a stand against trash in our ocean. And while we know we’re not alone in this monster effort to make change, we still need all the help we can get.

September is Project AWARE’s Debris Month of Action – a time when thousands of volunteer divers will battle back against marine debris by removing and reporting the trash we find underwater. Won’t you join us?

Recently, our friends at Bans and Sunshine Divers, Thailand, removed more than 240 plastic water bottles – all total more than 40 kg of trash collected from the ocean. Big Blue Vanuatu completed a 60 minute long Dive Against Debris and removed more than 400 kgs of debris. PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Eric Wong and a team of 53 divers collected 80 kgs from Bluff Island, Hong Kong. Way to go!  

What types of trash will you find and add to the global tally this month? It’s the ultimate volunteer opportunity to tap into your passion for the ocean and put your scuba skills to work for good. Be sure to take part in a local event or organize a Dive Against Debris with a buddy today!