Debris Activist:  Liz Parkinson  Location: Nassau, Bahamas  Diver Since: 2000

Though she did not grow up anywhere near the ocean, Liz Parkinson has a natural affinity for the underwater world – with a background in competitive swimming throughout her childhood and at the university level, scuba diving naturally became her next step. After finishing school, Liz moved to the Caribbean, immersing herself in the ocean-centric island lifestyle. She’s been lucky to travel and experience global diversity in numerous underwater environments, but with that exposure has also come an increased awareness of the negative impact the human footprint can have on the underwater world. Working through Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas as a scuba and freediving instructor, Liz does her best to educate people on the importance of marine conservation. She teaches a variety of courses exploring marine conservation principles and consistently leads volunteers in Dive Against Debris and other ocean protection activities around the islands.

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

Being a Bond fan, I would have to say the James Bond Wrecks off New Providence south shore is my favorite dive site. The reef system here surrounding the two ship wrecks – “Tears of Allah” from “Never Say Never Again” (1983) and the Vulcan Bomber from “Thunderball” (1965) – is as vibrant in color as the coral growth on these wrecks. There is a huge diversity of marine life here, and because it is not very deep, the sunlight really makes this a remarkable site!

Why does it need protecting?

As astronaut Scott Kelly showed us from the International Space Center, the beauty of the Bahamas is in its waters. As tourism traffic increases, it is important to help in the preservation of our underwater ecosystem. Consistent Dive Against Debris™ surveys are a great way to help maintain and protect the health and beauty of the ocean.

Craziest piece of trash found underwater?

A GoPro – and it still worked!

How will you Adopt a Dive Site™?

I will consistently monitor the New Providence south shore area and organize groups to conduct Dive Against Debris surveys on a monthly basis. By working closer with our Bahamian Coastal Awareness Committee to limit the use of plastics and other unsustainable products, we will hopefully begin to see a decrease in man-made products finding their way to the ocean.