Divers Take Action Against Ocean Pollution in New York City’s Waters
In a commendable effort to combat ocean pollution and protect marine life, a group of dedicated divers has taken up the challenge of cleaning up New York City’s waters. Every month, these divers gather at a small cove in Far Rockaway, where the city meets the Atlantic Ocean, to remove plastic waste and other debris from the underwater environment.
Led by Nicole Zelek, a diving instructor, the divers strap on their oxygen tanks and descend into an underwater world remarkably different from the bustling streets of New York City. As they explore the seabed, they encounter a variety of sea creatures, including horseshoe crabs, crustaceans, and various species of fish. However, amidst the beauty of marine life, they also come across a disturbing sight – plastic bottles, candy wrappers, and miles of fishing line, all posing a significant threat to the wellbeing of sea creatures.
The issue of ocean pollution caused by single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials has become a global concern. According to the PADI AWARE Foundation, an estimated 250 million tons of plastic will have entered the oceans by 2025. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action.
While large-scale endeavors are underway to tackle floating debris in deep waters, these coastal cleanups organized by Zelek and her team play a crucial role in addressing the issue. By conducting monthly dives and removing the harmful waste, they are making a tangible difference.
During their cleanups, the divers often find unexpected and unusual items. From a goat skull, possibly used in a ritual, to an actual empty ATM machine, their discoveries highlight the diverse range of debris that ends up in the waters. However, their main focus remains on removing fishing lines, which can prove fatal for crabs, horseshoe crabs, and other vulnerable marine species.
Nick Mallos, Vice President of Conservation for Ocean Conservancy, emphasizes the importance of these coastal cleanups in the broader fight against ocean pollution. While reducing global plastic consumption remains crucial, human-powered cleanup initiatives like these are cost-effective and essential in the overall effort.
The Dive Against Debris project, supported by the PADI AWARE Foundation, encourages citizen scientists to survey their diving sites and document the waste found in oceans and other bodies of water. With over 90,000 participants and 21,000 surveys conducted to date, the project has successfully removed 2.2 million pieces of debris, both large and small.
The challenge of underwater cleanup is not to be underestimated. Over the years, fishing lines have accumulated on the seabed, entangling marine life and posing a growing threat. While surface cleanup can be done with rakes, untangling fishing lines requires more delicate effort. With each pound of fishing line stretching over 4 miles, the true extent of the problem remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges, divers like Zelek and her team are determined to make a difference. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, as local residents appreciate their efforts and join in the cleanup activities.
Raquel Gonzalez, a regular visitor to the beach, acknowledges the need for cleanup and praises the divers for their commitment. Together with her neighbor, she brings a rake to help clear the shore, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
As efforts continue to remove debris from New York City’s waters, it is clear that these small-scale cleanups are an integral part of the solution. However, the ultimate goal is to reduce plastic waste at its source and mitigate the reliance on single-use plastics.
As citizens become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, it is hoped that initiatives like Dive Against Debris will inspire others to join the fight against ocean pollution. By working together, we can protect marine life, preserve our oceans, and create a cleaner future for generations to come
