Goal: Clean Seas

In September of 2017, Hurricane Irma tore through Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, carrying large amounts of marine debris into the ocean. In response, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation launched Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys to clean up underwater debris. The program issues permits and trains professional dive shop staff to lead underwater cleanup efforts in the sanctuary. In its first year, the initiative removed more than 18,000 pounds of marine debris from sanctuary waters.

A group celebrates around recovered marine debris

A woman posing with recovered marine debris

A group of divers working to clean the ocean

A man wades in shallow water next to his kayak

Clockwise from top right: DiveN2Life has removed many derelict spiny lobster traps; Cleanup divers with Rainbow Reef Dive pause for a safety stop: A volunteer with Florida Bay Outfitters stacks debris on a kayak; Big Kahuna Surf volunteers remove debris from mangrove forests; Key Dives leads a monthly cleanup dive.

Photos: DiveN2Life; John Nussbaum; Kris Sarri/National Marine Sanctuary Foundation; Jessica Hogan; Key Dives

Top to bottom: Big Kahuna Surf volunteers remove debris from mangrove forests; Key Dives leads a monthly cleanup dive; DiveN2Life has removed many derelict spiny lobster traps; Cleanup divers with Rainbow Reef Dive pause for a safety stop: A volunteer with Florida Bay Outfitters stacks debris on a kayak.

Photos: Jessica Hogan; Key Dives; DiveN2Life; John Nussbaum; Kris Sarri/National Marine Sanctuary Foundation;