Unbeknownst to many, everyday items like plastic bags, food wrappers and drink bottles make their way from land to sea. The general public assumption is that if we can’t see the problem, it isn’t there. But for divers, the marine debris issue is never out of sight, out of mind. Around the world, Project AWARE supporters are taking action against the ugly journey of our trash.

Ban’s Diving Resort in Koh Tao, Thailand is one of the many that has taken responsibility for advocating for solutions to the marine debris issue. The islands of Koh Tao are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with countless visitors travelling from afar to experience beautiful tropical reefs and picturesque sandy beaches. In 2014, they developed Ban’s Ecological Action for Coastal Heath, also known as BEACH, to teach environmental principles and conservation ethics to dive visitors travelling to the area. Their goal is to contribute to a healthier future for the ocean by enabling and encouraging people to claim responsibility and take action to protect our marine environments.

BEACH promotes conservation organically through education and community action. They teach the Project AWARE Dive Against Debris distinctive specialty course and conduct monthly Dive Against Debris surveys, engaging with divers of a wide range of skill levels, from participant to instructor. Further, they lead beach and reef cleanups on a weekly basis. The dive instructors of BEACH emphasize the importance of education and community engagement when it comes to making a positive impact on ocean health.

“Our philosophy is ‘Educate, Protect, Conserve’” explains Verity Coleing, BEACH co-director. “We feel education is the most important step toward achieving conservation, and most of our efforts are centered on that philosophy when interacting with customers.”

Not only do BEACH dive instructors offer eco-minded inspiration and education to their students, they also practice what they preach. Instructors not only lead, but participate in consistent Dive Against Debris surveys alongside students. This side-by-side collaboration, they feel, is key.

“Dive Against Debris gives us – instructors and students – the opportunity to work together as part of the dive community to make a difference in the world. Witnessing so many divers of different levels, from open water to instructor, working together for a common cause is really inspiring,” says Verity.

The BEACH team feels it is their responsibility to change attitudes and behaviors surrounding the issue of marine debris, and hopes to nurture a mindset with respect for the natural world. They pledge to continue Dive Against Debris and encourage change through community involvement and action to work toward a clean, healthy ocean planet.

Join the BEACH team in becoming a Debris Activist! Learn more about the Ugly Journey of Our Trash and take action now.