This September, volunteer scuba divers from every corner of the globe embarked on a mission to battle marine debris - the ocean's silent killer. Together, we removed and reported more than 20,000 trash items amounting to 17,000 lbs/7500 kgs of debris hauled up from beneath the surface.

We're continually inspired by the passion and commitment of our global volunteers. From Malaysia to Canada, you're making your dives count for conservation. Nearly 155 Dive Against Debris Heroes deserve special recognition. They not only took the Debris Month of Action challenge but they also pledged to go the extra mile to remove and report harmful debris year-round. We look forward to working alongside these heroes who are making the fight against marine debris their number one priority. Armed with consistent information from their ongoing Dive Against Debris efforts, we’ll have more evidence needed to address strong litter prevention policy actions for the future.

Thank you to each and every volunteer as well as Oris Watches, Dive Against Debris sponsor for 2013. Check out a few local hights and event shots captured this month and don't forget volunteer divers are needed to Diving Against Debris year round! Find the tools here to make your dives count for conservation or check out a full list of all upcoming actions.

Debris Month of Action 2013 Photo Album

Debris Month of Action 2013 Highlights

Philippines: Johan Blixt from Neptune Diving Adventure rallied more than 116 volunteers in Moalboal, a southern town in Cebu, to educate the local community and remove harmful debris from beach and underwater environments.

Malaysia: Malaysia Day Dive 2013 (MDD) concluded on a high note with a total of 64.5 kgs of marine debris successfully collected.

Australia: Hannah Pragnell-Raasch, Project AWARE Program and Outreach Coordinator, joined Dive 2000 and Mosman Council's Dive Against Debris event.

Thailand: Samy Gheraz and the crew at Infinity Ocean Diving in Phuket kickstarted their Dive Against Debris Hero actions with their first Dive Against Debris surveys on 9th September.

New Zealand: Dive Otago conducted their Dive Against Debris survey in Macandrew Bay and the day ended with a most welcomed barbecue for all volunteers.

Italy: Two diving schools, Atlantide Diving College and Greco Sub, joined forces to organize a diving day dedicatedto raising awarenessof local marine debris issues.

France / Switzerland: Aqua-Diving Club and Scuba-Dream removed more than 1200 kgs of debris from Lac Léman as part of their 20 years cleanup campaign.

Canada: A couple went on a 4 months diving expedition to Dive Against Debris in 99 locations across Canada.

Nederlands: Sealand diving, Buddyfish, Sublub, and Center Parcs Port Zelande en Marina Port Zelande joined by 70+ divers, Rotary Club Members, safeguards, friends and family gathered to collect countless bottles and tennis balls.

Thank you to all the volunteers who rallied together during September’s Debris Month of Action!

Photo © Cliff Kirby - Coral Watersports and Dive Centre, Bahrain