When Project AWARE launched #MyOceanChallenge on Endangered Species Day, May 15, I decided to take on the challenge to help support a clean and healthy ocean.

It all started with a special evening at a local Scouts group where I was invited to discuss the challenges our ocean is facing. We talked about endangered marine species, over-fishing, unsustainable fishing practices including shark finning, and the devastating impacts of marine debris.

All 26 Scouts and their leaders joined me in a litter pick. In less than 15 minutes, we collected more than four buckets full of litter: aluminium cans, plastic bottles, cigarette butts, glass bottles, food wrappers, plastic toys, six-pack rings, broken glass, … and more – a true ‪wake up call for the kids who couldn’t believe that an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our ocean each year!‬‬

The children inspired me to continue litter picking until World Oceans Day, June 8, to raise funds and awareness about how our trash travels over land and into our waterways and ocean. I soon realized that the challenge wouldn’t be to find litter – you really don’t have to look far to find it – but what I didn’t expect was the sheer quantity of plastic and litter I would find! 

It is estimated that around 80% of marine debris is from land-based sources. When trash is not recycled or disposed of properly, single use items like plastic bottles and bags can end up on the ocean floor, choking our environment. Year round, scuba divers are removing underwater debris and reporting Dive Against Debris data. This data is critical to be able to show the true extent of the marine debris problem, and to prevent, reduce and manage the sources of marine debris.

To better understand and control marine debris we must address the actions that generate or transport marine debris. A great deal must be done to prevent marine debris however recycling and proper waste disposal can significantly reduce the amounts of marine debris that actually reach our oceans and coastal waters. Plus the good news is that we can all be part of the solution. Our everyday actions above and below the waves can make a difference!

Fighting the marine debris problem begins at home. Until it reaches our ocean, litter is not out of sight, it is everywhere! Just look around you! It’s time to rise to the marine debris challenge. 

My #MyOceanChallenge is a “Rubbish” Challenge to support a clean and healthy ocean. What will yours be? Go to www.projectaware.org/fundraise to choose how you would like to challenge yourself to help protect the ocean.

Fins on and off, together we can protect the ocean from the devastating impacts of marine debris. Stay tuned for more actions to help stop the Ugly Journey of Our Trash on World Oceans Day and beyond!