Debris Activist: Ian Craddock  Location: Wimborne, Dorset, UK  Diver since: 1998

Growing up on the south coast of England, Ian Craddock was always in or around the water. A scuba diver for more than half his life, he’s witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of marine debris on underwater environments in waters all across Europe and the Middle East. Compelled to take action, Ian began working with a local university and its students on Dive Against Debris™ surveys in areas heavily impacted by debris. One of their first local sites had attracted a high volume of fishing nets, killing marine life and endangering divers – with their help, it’s not only restored to its natural, debris-free state, they were even able to release some of the trapped wildlife before it was too late! Ian hopes to expand his efforts and inspire the local youth dive community to get involved in helping keep waters clean and healthy.

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

The Pipeline at Shore Road, Poole in Dorset, United Kingdom. The site entrance is from a very popular tourist beach and most people believe that all that is out there is sand. In fact, it is a hidden gem due to the pipe which is a disused sewage outlet that has largely been filled with concrete. The area is a local haven for wildlife!

Why does it need protecting?

The Pipeline dive site is located near one of the busiest beaches on UK’s south coast, and is an attraction for lots of fishing and watersports. With heavy human traffic, marine life is often more likely to suffer the impacts of marine debris, pollution and disrupted environments.

Craziest piece of trash found underwater?

A boat trailer – over a mile from the shore!

How will you Adopt a Dive Site™?

I commit to monthly Dive Against Debris surveys and pledge to educate and involve the youth divers in caring for the site to help continue our work for years to come.