On Wednesday the 9th of December the B.E.A.C.H. team of volunteers launched into action starting the morning off with a beach clean-up. The team of willing volunteers donned the gloves and bags and combed their way down Sairee beach. Every week certain items dominate the litter bags, the main offenders are cigarette butts, foam balls, straws and plastic packaging.

In the afternoon the B.E.A.C.H. team targeted Central Sairee reef as their next destination for the latest dive against debris dives. Sixteen volunteers from around the world descended, armed with mesh bags and enthusiasm. The team collected over 40 kilograms of debris over two dives. The main litter items found were plastic bottles and fishing gear including line, hooks, traps and nets.

One buddy team discovered an abandoned fishing trap that had several fish caught inside and managed to release them unharmed. Saving lives and improving the environment directly or indirectly through action is a great way to make a difference.

Identifying the litter items we find on both our beach clean ups and Dive Against Debris clean-ups can help us raise awareness, and change habits locally, to reduce or prevent litter from ending up on the beaches and in the ocean.

Participating in clean-ups is always a rewarding experience to witness the incredible team effort, to see so many passionate people getting involved and devoting their time to keeping our oceans free of litter is very inspiring. Every volunteer takes something away and spreads the message, raising awareness and motivating others to take action.  

Diving allows us to truly submerge ourselves in another world, and as dive professionals provides us with the opportunity to make that world our 'office', to share our passion for the aquatic environment and its inhabitants with others. We are thankful for the ocean, and all of the creatures that call it home. Our ocean, our responsibility.

If you would like to get involved in Dive Against Debris or any other events with us, we would love to meet you. Please 'like' the B.E.A.C.H. page (www.facebook.com/beachatbans) and come and join the team.

 Massive thank you to the B.E.A.C.H. photographer Jeerapong Prathomsup. 

                                                     Educate → Protect → Conserve