Pod of Dolphins Greeted Divers Removing Debris in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

February 12, 2026

On Jan. 17, a team of cleanup divers visited reefs off Key West, Florida, with Blue Star operator Southpoint Divers as part of Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys, a marine debris removal program co-led by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. At the start of the first dive, one group was immediately greeted by a pod of 20 or more dolphins. Cortney Benson, marine debris removal stewardship coordinator with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation said of the encounter, "When we take the time to care for Mother Earth, she always seems to reward our efforts. This time it was with a magnificent two-minute show from a large pod of dolphins that moved me to tears."

Video: Rachel Plunkett/NOAA

After the brief but memorable encounter, divers turned their attention to scanning the reef for derelict fishing gear and other debris that pose risks to coral and marine life. Working in two teams, the volunteers safely retrieved two derelict lobster traps, approximately 80 feet of rope, 65 feet of monofilament fishing line, and a discarded fishing lure.

A close-up view of a weathered wooden lobster trap on the seafloor being attached to a yellow lift bag by a diver in the background.
Cortney Bensen prepares to remove a derelict lobster trap resting on the seafloor under a ledge. It must first be moved away from the ledge before the lift bag can be deployed. Photo: Rachel Plunkett/NOAA under FKNMS/FWC permit
Three scuba divers underwater using a bright orange lift bag to raise a heavy, wooden derelict lobster trap off the seabed.
Divers work in teams using a lift bag to safely remove a derelict lobster trap from the reef. Photo: Southpoint Divers under FKNMS/FWC permit

To remove large, heavy items such as lobster traps without further harm to the reef, divers work together to first relocate the gear away from coral. A lift bag is then deployed to float the item off the seafloor, making it easier to transport back to the boat while minimizing contact with sensitive habitats.

Goal: Clean Seas diver Alexandra Hyde grew up in Georgia and currently lives on Sugarloaf Key. When asked why she decided to participate in her first cleanup dive, Hyde explained that "it is important to clean up [the reef] and make the ocean better." While she enjoys recreational dives, she noted that marine debris can cause serious issues for wildlife. "Coming out to clean it up, within regulations, is a great way to get involved and leave the world better than you found it," she said.

Two scuba divers close to the sandy seafloor near orange sea fans, inspecting and clearing debris from the reef.
Divers work together to remove a cumbersome piece of debris from the reef. Photo: Rachel Plunkett/NOAA under FKNMS/FWC permit
A scuba diver underwater holding up a piece of encrusted marine debris, while another diver swims in the background.
Goal: Clean Seas volunteer, Alexandra Hyde carries a piece of marine debris retrieved from the coral reef. Photo: Rachel Plunkett/NOAA under FKNMS/FWC permit

Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys brings eco-conscious scuba divers together with local Blue Star dive operators to remove human-made debris from coral reefs within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, members of the local community asked the sanctuary to help address submerged debris, creating an opportunity to collaborate with local businesses. Since launching in 2018, the program has been community-led and has supported thousands of dives focused on stewardship, safety, and education.

Benson expressed that Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys is a program close to her heart. "Having worked first as a dive operator participating in the program from its inception, and now being a co-coordinator, I have had the unique opportunity to see it in action from many angles," she said. Reflecting on the program's impact, Benson added, "The most prominent and uplifting thing I have learned through this work is that people do care. If we offer the public an accessible and fun way to give back to our reefs, they will flock to help. It's a beautiful thing!"

As of February 2026, the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys program has achieved the following:

  • 141,165 pounds of debris removed
  • 188,143 feet (35.6 miles) of rope and fishing line removed
  • 10,418 recreational dive participants
  • 4,287 professional dive participants
  • 39,873 hours spent cleaning coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems
A large group of divers and crew posing on a boat at a dock. Two people in the foreground hold a 'Goal Clean Seas Florida Keys' flag.
The dive team poses aboard Southpoint Divers' vessel with the debris they collected. Photo: Southpoint Divers
Two scuba divers underwater holding a white flag that reads 'Goal Clean Seas Florida Keys' with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and National Marine Sanctuaries logos.
Divers display the Goal:Clean Seas flag underwater. Photo: Rachel Plunkett/NOAA

Before entering the water, volunteer divers are briefed on how to distinguish marine debris from protected maritime heritage resources. If an item appears to be part of a shipwreck or is encrusted with coral, it is left undisturbed. Divers who encounter potential heritage resources during a cleanup—or any recreational dive—are encouraged to report their findings to sanctuary staff.

This work was conducted under permits through NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries