With a startling statistic that almost 70 per cent of debris that enters the ocean sinks, a Sunshine Coast community group is initiating a state-wide underwater clean-up campaign.
Since 2018, the voluntary organisation has hosted dozens of clean-up dive events, engaged hundreds of divers and removed more than two tonnes of debris from the ocean – including more than 80km of fishing line.
Now, Sunshine Coast Clean Up Divers (SCCUD) is leading a promotion to address the scourge of hidden rubbish and will engage communities from Tweed Heads to Mackay to participate in a Scuba Scavenger Hunt.
The campaign will encourage and reward scuba divers, free divers and snorkelers who help remove marine debris from across southern Queensland waters.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
SCCUD founder and director Elliot Peters said underwater explorers were uniquely positioned to lead the removal of marine debris.
“Marine debris pollutes our water, poisons marine life and negatively alters the balance of ecosystems,” he said.
“The problem is widespread – even in Australia – with illegal dumping, run off and increased flooding leading to an ever-increasing amount of debris in our waters.
“It’s up to all of us to mitigate and clean up this debris.”
The campaign is running from November to June 30 and participants can register their dive to go into the draw to win a pool of prizes, including a night’s stay at Herron Island.
The Scuba Scavenger Hunt aligns with the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Dive Against Debris program. Through this program, divers can easily learn about responsible diving, clean up diving and register the debris they find to help inform policy and address marine debris across the planet.
Mr Peters said SCCUD was a voluntary community initiative, run by and for its participants.
“It is not only for the purpose of giving back to the environment we love, but to offer a safe space for open social engagement and strengthening community ties.”
“We are proud of our inclusivity, self-determination, transparency and environmentalism.”
How to enter
To enter the draw, simply log a clean-up dive through the Dive Against Debris website after removing three or more pieces of debris from beneath the water.
Take a screenshot or email acknowledgement from PADI of the logged clean up survey then register your entry in the Scuba Scavenger Hunt here.
Make sure to list the full name, contact email, and phone for each participant of the logged clean up dive. You must also include photographic evidence of your removed debris.
Each entrant may only enter five times.
More information visit on the campaign of SCCUD can be found here.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. SUBSCRIBE here now.
