In this week’s Community Spotlight, Project AWARE catches up with Kevin King, a scuba instructor in Okinawa, Japan.

Tell us about your passion for ocean conservation.  

I like to think of myself as a maturing, responsible citizen-steward of our ocean planet.  While I have been an avid scuba diver for many, many years, I have only recently become more active in terms of our environment.  And seeing the difference that a small group of dedicated divers can make will make enthusiasts of many!

Why and when did you get involved with Project AWARE? 

For a few reasons.  Living on a sub-tropical island (Okinawa) near the continent of Asia, trash and debris are a constant, ugly and inescapable problem that clogs many sites frequented by divers.   Further, I was looking to expand my own course and continuing educational offerings as a PADI Master Instructor, and the Dive Against Debris® Distinctive Specialty seemed to be a perfect fit.  Finally, by helping to become a more active part of a solution than a passive part of the problem, I saw an opportunity to take a leadership role in the community to help drive change.  These reasons all colluded late last year and drove me to become an active supporter of Project AWARE. 

What are some issues that are affecting your local dive site or favorite underwater areas? 

Okinawa suffers from both floating and submerged debris due to close proximity to other nations with loose pollution controls or a culture not protective of our shared environment.  Based on the surveys I’ve conducted, plastic bottles, metal cans, and plastics are the predominant debris removed, especially plastic food wrappers and take-away containers.  The particular site I adopted is also adjacent to a river’s wash to the ocean, as well as multiple storm drains that open directly to the sea.

What Project AWARE programs have you participated in? Tell us about your work.

I’ve been able to diversify myself since becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in 2013.  Currently, in conjunction with formally joining Adopt a Dive Site™ and hosting monthly marine debris surveys, I offer the Dive Against Debris Distinctive Specialty at certification cost, and match each diver completing the course with a $10 donation to Project AWARE.  I also recently taught my first AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty on a chartered trip specifically to see schooling hammerhead sharks.  And, since I am soon to relocate from Okinawa back to the States, I am challenging my fellow dive professionals here to take up the cause and provide the environmental activism leadership that will drive grass-roots change, from the bottom up.

What has been the highlight of your Project AWARE experience?

The most fulfilling aspect of being involved in Project AWARE is seeing what a significant difference such little effort can make!  My adopted site has seen three large-scale cleanups in 2.5 years.  In 2015, 75+ divers removed about 1,700 pounds of debris.  In January of this year, 35 divers removed about 200 pounds.  And just this month, 34 divers found only about 100 pounds of debris to remove.  Some divers commented that the site was so clean that it was a challenge to fill even the smaller collection bags.  And that is EXACTLY the point!  In other words, there is tangible, rewarding feedback, not just from experiencing divers excited to be making a difference, but in seeing the difference underwater.  And there MUST be a shout-out to the Project AWARE staff, who have leaned so far forward and been so helpful!

What is the most important thing you tell others about Project AWARE? 

Just do it.  I waited too long, thinking it would be too difficult, and not wanting to fence off time that would “detract” from my other scuba courses.  People want to help.  People want to have a positive impact.  All most people need is someone to take the lead and advertise, provide collection bags, and take care of the paperwork and debris.  Oh, and offer coffee and donuts - that’s sure to double your turnout!