Progress report for
Addressing the global marine debris crisis from an underwater perspective - citizen science and community engagement for global solution
Achievement at a glance
One million items of trash have been removed from the ocean through Dive Against Debris - reaching a global milestone for the citizen science program. Engaging 49,188 divers from 114 countries to take part in an effort both to clean up the ocean and build evidence to shine a light on the global marine litter crisis.Recreational and professional divers have retrieved objects varying from sunbeds to batteries and shoes, as well as vast quantities of plastic bags, cutlery and bottles. The data collected captures essential information for scientists to estimate debris that has sunk to the seafloor. It also supports work to find solutions to save vulnerable marine life and ensure the future of a clean and healthy ocean.
Volunteers involved in Dive Against Debris have provided data which is helping convince decision-makers to adopt more stringent policies on plastics. Almost 70 percent of all items reported through Dive Against Debris were plastics. In December 2017 the Vanuatu Government announced a ban on the import and local manufacturing of non-biodegradable plastics, based on studies done by environmental groups including local dive centre Big Blue.
Project AWARE is committed to remove and report one million more pieces of rubbish by end of 2020 and help highlight the true extent of the marine debris problem.
Key Statistics on Dive Against Debris:
One million pieces of rubbish removed and reported since 2011
49,188 - Scuba divers
5,351 - Surveys
114 - Countries around the world
5,597 - Entangled or dead animals
64% - Plastic waste
307,064 kgs / 676,959lbs - Total weight