DIVE FOR CLEAN WATERS: International Cleanup Day

Dive for International Cleanup Day on 15 September 2007 and help protect underwater environments and wildlife from a growing tide of marine litter. Project AWARE, the dive community’s leading nonprofit environmental organisation, are calling all divers, snorkelers and beach walkers to make a splash for trash and help make clean waters a reality.

Thousands of volunteers are needed to help combat global marine debris issues. Cleanup day gives everyone the chance to give back to the ocean but for divers it is also an opportunity to use their skills to go to greater depths. Their ability to access the deep puts them in a unique position to restore underwater environments to pristine conditions.

“Litter is not just a surface problem. Rubbish from oil drums and tyres to drink cans and discarded fishing gear also accumulates on the seabed. In addition to being an eyesore, debris can pose a real danger to both marine wildlife and divers” says Mike Holme, Associate Director of Project AWARE Foundation.

More than 300,000 volunteers took part in last years Cleanup. “2006 underwater cleanup efforts saw 7,315 divers remove 103 tonnes of debris from 3,105 miles of riverbed and seafloor – an average of 14 kilos per diver. Bags, beverage bottles and cans, and fishing nets were in the top ten of underwater items reported” added Mike.

Marine debris kills more than 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles each year. It is a consequence of everyone’s actions and sixty percent of this debris results from shoreline and recreational activities. Everyone can make a difference by taking part in the International Cleanup Day.

Project AWARE hopes all water enthusiasts will answer this urgent call to action and help preserve their local aquatic environments. Get involved by organising a Cleanup; volunteering; fundraising or making a donation.

Promotional and educational materials including the Beach and Underwater Cleanup Guide on CD- ROM, data cards, event posters, certificates and more are available to Cleanup coordinators.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization working with divers to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Visit http://www.projectaware.org to support your local office and participate in environmental activities to make a lasting difference.

For further information, please contact:

Joanne Marston, Project AWARE Manager joanne.marston@projectaware.org.au

Joanna McNamara, Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator joanna.mcnamara@projectaware.org.au

Contributed by Joanne Marston added 2007-06-29