Debris Activist: Juan Blanco  Location: Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, Africa  Diver since: 1993

Juan Blanco grew up in the south of Spain close to the Mediterranean Sea, dreaming of the day he’d explore the underwater world. When he turned 18, he enrolled in a scuba diving course at the first possible opportunity and hasn’t looked back since. Now a scuba diving instructor, Juan has traveled throughout Africa, Europe and the Caribbean and witnessed the incredible beauty of the underwater world, but also the increasingly alarming impacts of debris. With this exposure, his love for the ocean has increased, as has his awareness of the need to protect it.

Juan believes that part of our journey as scuba divers, and ocean ambassadors, is not only to enjoy the ocean but to do all that we can to care for it. Through beach cleanups and Dive Against Debris™ surveys, Juan is dedicated to empowering his dive students and volunteers to keep their local dive sites clean.

What’s your favorite dive site, and why do you love it?

My favorite dive site is the entire ocean – ha! But if I have to pick a single site, #MyDiveSite is Atlantida in Boa Vista, Cape Verde. This volcanic sea mount is home to many different pelagic fish and critters that always seem to be in perfect harmony.

Why does it need protecting?

Currents surrounding Atlantida bring in all types of trash from the nearby village. This debris often gets stuck in the reef, requiring frequent cleaning.

Craziest piece of trash found underwater?

A washing machine.

How will you AdoptaDiveSite™?

First, I’ll commit to monthly Dive Against Debris surveys to monitor my local dive site. But I won’t stop there… I will use the company I work for, Scuba Caribe, as a platform to introduce Dive Against Debris to all of its associated dive centers, encouraging them to clean their own local dive sites. Our dive center will be the role model to spark a larger movement!