Project Aware

Divers protect underwater environments during Project AWARE's International Cleanup Day, 25 September 2010.

It's hard to picture six million tonnes of debris entering the ocean in one year. In fact, that's what happens each and every year - harming wildlife and underwater environments. But on International Cleanup Day, 25 September, Project AWARE Foundation will be joined by passionate underwater volunteers in 100 countries, using their unique skills to remove harmful marine debris and collect data necessary for change.

Mark your calendar to participate. Register an underwater cleanup event, volunteer for a cleanup near you or donate to Project AWARE Foundation and support the efforts of volunteer dive teams across the globe at www.projectaware.org.

Last year, more than 30,000 AWARE Divers and volunteers from 92 countries documented and removed harmful litter surfacing with more than 91,000 plastic bottles and nearly 79,000 plastic bags. In total, the weight of all debris collected equaled the weight of 44 orca whales or 222 small cars.

The pinnacle cleanup event of the year, International Cleanup Day, is held each September in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy. But underwater cleanup efforts don't just end in September. Project AWARE and dedicated dive volunteers tackle the devastating impacts of marine debris year round.

"Removing and documenting the debris found underwater, is the first step to resolving the marine debris crisis and dedicated dive volunteers play a key role in providing a more complete understanding of these issues," states Director, Project AWARE Foundation, Jenny Miller Garmendia.

All underwater cleanup data contributes to the Global Marine Debris Index prepared by the Ocean Conservancy and is also recognized in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report "Marine Litter: A Global Challenge". The Global Marine Debris Index is the world's only state-by-state, country-by-country breakdown of what's littering our oceans and waterways. These reports help identify the sources and possible solutions to marine debris worldwide.

"Understanding where the debris comes from and how it ends up in the ocean is essential to addressing pollution at the source. Combined with behavior change, improved packaging and waste management, it's possible to begin to reverse these trends," adds Miller Garmendia. "Collectively we're building a sustainable future and supporting the prevention of marine debris in the long-term."
Take action on International Cleanup Day this 25 September at www.projectaware.org.