Reef Cleaning Initiative

Reef Cleaning Initiative
Maui, HI (2021 - Ongoing)

Divers are often the first to come across discarded fishing line knotted through coral, turtles with hooks in their necks and/or trailing fishing line behind them, abandoned swimming gear, and accidental debris entangled in the reef. Other swimmers, including children, and wildlife can quickly become entangled and trapped underwater in sometimes barely visible line.

Our volunteers come across heads of coral entangled in fishing line and other debris, which require careful removal. Our freedivers donate their time, ability, and expertise to remove trash, fishing line, ocean recreation equipment, and plastic from Maui's reefs. Divers specifically remove debris without touching the reef structure or the animals living on it. They often come across entangled and/or hooked sea turtles and other wildlife, and our volunteers direct them to the proper channels to assist the animals.

Over five years, skilled volunteers have removed countless items and yards of line from Maui's reefs through this unique initiative. We are excited to share our impact, which wouldn't be possible without our amazing divers volunteering their service! Below are photos from recent dives and monthly totals.