Quarterly Clean Up Dive on January 24, 2026
On January 24, 2026, divers and volunteers from around Bonaire came together for the first Quarterly Clean Up Dive of the year. These dives play an important role in keeping Bonaire’s marine environment healthy and resilient, while also contributing to global marine debris monitoring efforts.
A Day for Action and Observation
The event brought together a mix of certified Scuba and free divers, snorkelers, and shore helpers. Participants focused on removing loose debris from beneath the surface, while carefully avoiding damage to corals and other marine life. Together, they collected over 200 kgs of debris, all of which were documented and reported as part of the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris® program. This marine debris survey initiative encourages divers worldwide to collect and record debris so that trends can be tracked by scientists and policy makers.
Collecting this data is a key part of understanding how debris arrives on and around Bonaire’s reefs, and how local efforts can fit into broader solutions for ocean health. Even items that appear small like beverage containers or fishing line can have outsized impacts on marine ecosystems if left in place.
Community Participation
The January dive was a strong example of community engagement in marine conservation. With a total of 122 volunteers of all experience levels: divers searched the reef at depth, snorkelers assisted in shallower areas, and land-based helpers sorted and recorded debris after it had been brought to shore. The shared effort demonstrates that protecting the reef isn’t just about one group or activity, but about many people working together toward a healthier ocean.
As a way of giving back to those who volunteered their time and effort, the day concluded with a community BBQ, free for all participants. Usually held at the Hamlet Oasis location, the gathering offered an opportunity to relax, share stories from the dive, and reflect on the day’s work. With more than 70 people joining, the BBQ underscored how these clean-up dives are not only about removing debris, but also about strengthening connections and building a supportive, engaged dive community.
This blend of diving and citizen science reflects a growing global movement to involve local communities and visitors alike in understanding and addressing marine pollution. By logging what is found underwater into a global database, the results from Bonaire help form part of a larger picture of debris distribution and sources.
Looking Forward
The Quarterly Clean Up Dive series continues throughout the year, with additional dates scheduled for April, July, and October 2026. Each event provides another opportunity to assess conditions at different sites around the island and to reduce the amount of debris in the marine environment. Regular participation by both locals and visitors helps foster a deeper connection with the underwater world and reinforces a shared responsibility for ocean health.