Marine debris has undoubtedly become a growing trans-boundary problem for our marine ecosystem. Researchers have found that 70% of all marine debris is actually lying on the seafloor. This debris which includes non-biodegradable plastics, is damaging our oceans and hurting our marine animals who feed on it by mistake. By 2050 it is even estimated that the amount of debris in the ocean will exceed that of fish.
Our oceans are facing a critical situation and as divers, we have a unique opportunity and set of skills to help protect our oceans. By taking the PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty course you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to help clean up our oceans and make a difference. The course will help you understand the challenges our oceans are facing, learn how to collect marine debris and complete a Dive Against Debris survey so you can record the amount of debris removed. The course consists of three parts: knowledge development, an underwater cleanup, and reporting on the marine debris removed. Throughout the course, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to successfully complete an underwater cleanup and become a part of the solution to keeping our oceans clean.
Anna Tsuchiya is a renowned American Japanese model, singer and actress who is based in Japan. She has been a diver for 10 years and has strong interests in conservation. Recently, Anna took the Dive Against Debris Specialty course and conducted an underwater cleanup at Moroiso beach in Japan.
“I always felt so sad when I saw any marine debris during my scuba dives. But what I learnt from the course was that the issue of plastic is even more severe than I thought. It is really important to remove debris items when we see them underwater, and it is also important to remember to reduce our rubbish in our daily lives as much as we can,” Anna said. Her enthusiasm and motivation for underwater cleanups increased after she completed the knowledge development portion of her course.
Supported by PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center, Dive Navi Scuba Academy, Anna then conducted an underwater cleanup at Moroiso Beach, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. When searching for debris at the depth of 5 meters/ 16 feet, Anna discovered plastic containers and packaging, metal pieces, lures, fishing nets, golf balls and much more. As she continued her cleanup, Anna even came across a big tire underwater. After diving for 40 minutes in an area of about 150 square meters/ 492 square feet, Anna and her buddy collected nearly 30 pieces of marine debris.
“It was a really meaningful dive. I got very excited when I was able to remove the debris from the ocean” Anna said.
At the end of the course, Anna recorded the marine debris data and uploaded her findings to Project AWARE’s survey database.
“I find ocean cleanups very rewarding. I would like to keep doing conservation work as a part of my daily life, instead of making it a special activity. I want to plan something that we can involve everyone in” Anna said.
Will you help protect our ocean? Learn more about the PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty course and locate a PADI Dive Shop today!
Anna Tsuchiya Profile
Born in Tokyo in 1984. Anna Tsuchiya is a multi-talented artist who plays an active role as a musician, model and actress. She is a mother of four children and has 10 years of diving experience. You can keep up to date with Anna on her Instagram account.