PADI Project Aware

[del_mo]

In a recent email from PADI, they show pictures of recovered tires and tin cans. Everybody is smiling because they removed trash from the ocean. Reef cleanups seem like a good idea. Who likes to see junk caught up in reefs or in the sand? But are these cleanups really a good idea? In some cases cleanup is paramount, like cleaning up debris after hurricanes. But what about normal debris lost overboard? While it might make US feel good about ourselves, what about the little critters that make this junk their home? I remember in Key Largo being told by the dive boat captain...."DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING! In as little as one week, something may have moved in."

What is one persons debris is anothers artificial reef.

So, my question is: Is it a good idea to clean debris from reefs?

 

[HowardE]

I clean debris from a reef. If it looks fresh. If it's a new beer can, with no growth on it, I usually shake it out to make sure nothing has moved in. I also clean up fishing line, fishing weights, sneakers, golf balls, plastic bags, six pack holders etc. If the item has been taken over by critters, creatures, or other parts of the reef, then it's part of the ecosystem, and I just leave it.

So I would say it's not intrinsically bad to clean debris, just use your best judgment.