SCCUD is an open invitation voluntary initiative to clean up below the water line on the Sunshine Coast. We focus on removing, reporting and responsibly discarding harmful debris from shallow waterways and shoreline. Whether you scuba, snorkel, freedive, or can help sort debris or offer surface watch support, your participation is very welcome.

Founder and group leader, Elliot Peters (PADI Instructor #444200), began the group in 2018 after engaging in dive clean up's with friends and an established group on the Gold Coast throughout 2017. The group was set-up utilising guidelines from PADI AWARE and the Adopt a Dive Site program. SCCUD continues to collaborate with PADI AWARE and reports data to them and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative.

Our waterways, estuaries, lakes and dams are saturated with debris. Our clean ups are recorded in national and international databases which are accessed by government and other organisations to help inform policy and actions needed to tackle marine debris.

As of Feb 2022 we have removed approximately 1.8 tonnes of harmful debris, including 75km of fishing line and some 12000 individual items.

SCCUD acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate, the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people, and pay our respects to elders past, present and future.