Debris Activist: Gabriel Espino  Location: Vieques, Puerto Rico, USA  Diver Since: 2000

Born and raised in Puerto Rico surrounded by water, the ocean has always been Gabriel Espino’s second home. He trained to become a scuba diver at a young age, and was lucky enough to be mentored by dive instructors who with extensive marine conservation knowledge and expertise. Gabriel’s instructors encouraged him to assist in cleanups, taught him how to improve dive techniques to protect underwater environments, and emphasized the importance of advocating for ocean protection.

Now a dive instructor himself, Gabriel is passing this tradition on to his students, teaching them how to care for the ocean – a precious resource – and encouraging them to pass their knowledge on as well. He leads divers at Black Beard Sports, Puerto Rico in large-scale Dive Against Debris™ surveys, always encouraging the public to get involved and join the efforts. One dive at a time, Gabriel is helping his community come together to protect Puerto Rico’s ocean environments, reefs and wildlife for future generations.

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

Mosquito Pier in Vieques, Puerto Rico. It is simply amazing to witness the different types of marine organisms you see in this one spot. Sharks, rays, dolphins and turtles are just some of its big visitors. It is an artificial reef environment since it has grown on the side of a wave breaker and under a pier, but it is one of the most lush, biodiverse environments I have ever seen! Every day we see something new.

Why does it need protecting?

Monofilament is the biggest issue at Mosquito Pier. There is a longline fishing community that fishes here daily, and unfortunately, much of their line becomes lost, tangled or discarded at sea. Every time we dive here, we remove massive quantities. Not only do we report this through Dive Against Debris surveys, we also recently implemented a fishing line recycling station along with Loggerhead Marine Life Center.

Craziest piece of trash found underwater?

$20 cash – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

How will you Adopt a Dive Site™?

I commit doing monthly Dive Against Debris surveys with our dive shop, Black Beard Sports, and offering a free Dive Against Debris Specialty Course training and certification to any divers that accompany me to the surveys. In addition, I’ll educate local longline fishermen about proper techniques to avoid contributing to the marine debris issue.