Debris Activist: Fredric Ihrsen  Location: Saltstraumen, Bodø, Norway  Diver Since: 2004

A dive instructor of eleven years, Fredric began participating in underwater cleanups when he first started leading group dives years ago in Thailand.  Although the excursions occurred just once a year, he immediately became hooked and his interest in ocean conservation began to grow.  He continued leading underwater cleanups while working as a dive instructor in the Red Sea, but it wasn’t until he arrived in Norway in 2008 and found his tribe, Saltstraumen Dykkecamp, that he truly became a Dive Against Debris™ activist. With each dive Fredric takes, he fastens a half-liter plastic container to his hip and collects trash as he goes, averaging about two to four pounds of debris removed per dive. Last year, he collected over 330 pounds (150 kg) of debris! Little by little, Fredric is determined to eliminate marine debris from Saltstramen’s waters so his guests can see its incredible beauty.

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

Ørneset is my favorite and the dive site I visit the most! It has a slope with rocks and formations, beautiful colors, and tons of interesting fish: wolf-eel, sei and cod, and the occasional lumpfish or halibut. There is a corner where it turns into a wall dive about 200 feet (60-70 meters) deep covered with sponges, blue mussels and plumose anemone coloring the walls down as far as you can see. Meanwhile, from about 50 feet (15 meter) and up, you can see beautiful kelp forests waving in the current. Check out this video to see what it’s like!

Why does it need protecting?

Saltstraumen is unique with is strong currents and rich underwater life. Unfortunately, discarded fish hooks from the fishermen and debris from the local community often make their way into its waters. With such beautiful and diverse marine life in this area, it’s important that we protect it for future generations.

Craziest piece of trash found underwater?

A brand new fishing rod, just slightly broken in the top. The owner just threw it in the water! It must have cost $150 at least.

How will you Adopt a Dive Site™?

I pledge to monitor my dive site and conduct Dive Against Debris surveys monthly (or more!) and educate the community on the toll trash takes on underwater environments.