Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation collaborated with local dive operators to remove harmful marine debris from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, while engaging the local community to prevent future debris.

Type of Project: Removal

Region: Florida

Project Dates: September 2020 - August 2022

Who was involved?

With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation worked with local dive operators in the Florida Keys to find economical solutions to high cost debris removal and directly support the local economy through the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys project. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation partnered with Blue Star Dive Operators, who are recognized for training their staff and educating clients in responsible practices to reduce impacts on sensitive marine habitats.

What was the project and why is it important?

Marine debris is an ongoing challenge in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with underwater debris posing a high risk to important marine life and habitats, including the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. Trap loss, in particular, is a prevalent and persistent issue in the Florida Keys. Lost fishing traps and trap rope not only damage critical habitats, but can also entangle and harm a variety of species, such as corals, dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Hurricanes and large storms can worsen the problem of marine debris in the Florida Keys. Even two years after Hurricane Irma, dive operators were still seeing areas of reef tract that have debris and derelict fishing gear from the storm.

The purpose of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys project was to continue efforts to remove underwater marine debris, including traps, other fishing gear, and trash, from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and to educate the public about their role in marine debris prevention. The project also contributed to the blue economy by partnering with and engaging local businesses that rely on healthy marine ecosystems in removal efforts, such as Blue Star Dive Operators. Throughout the project, Blue Star Operators removed, disposed of, and, when possible, recycled underwater debris, specifically derelict spiny lobster traps and other ghost fishing gear. As a method of prevention, the project also engaged the local community and recreational fishers to increase understanding of the sources and impacts of marine debris.

What were the results? 

During this project, 1,469 divers spent over 3,000 hours underwater to remove a total of 54,045 lbs of debris, including 79,921 feet of working line, and 252 traps. Two videos were created to highlight the importance of keeping the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary clean and to share project successes. Throughout this award, the Foundation was able to support a record number of Blue Star Dive Operators participating in the Goal: Cleans Seas Florida Keys program. The program saw an increase in participation of almost 50% during the award period, increasing from eight to fifteen operators. 

For more information about this project, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.