Ocean lovers and defenders of the deep! The time is now to take meaningful conservation action. The I.CARE Trash Derby is more than just an event. This community-led effort, spanning from the 2nd to the 5th of May 2024, is a mission, a challenge, and an opportunity to come together to inspire positive change for the diving community and our marine environment.

As a PADI Torchbearer, this is where you shine! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Florida Keys, the I.CARE Trash Derby is specifically designed to harness your unique skills, passion, and commitment to protecting the underwater realm.

The Ugly Journey of Trash & How You Can Make a Difference

Marine debris isn’t just unsightly; it can be a lethal enemy for marine life and ecosystems. From turtles becoming entangled, to the smothering of our fragile coral reefs, the damage marine debris wields can be devastating. Every survey dive we participate in holds the power to turn the tide against this problem. Think about the thousands of pounds of debris removed in last year’s Trash Derby, the dozens of marine animal’s lives rescued from entanglement, and the data submitted to monitor their future protection. These documented successes aren’t isolated; they’re a testament to what we can achieve together. Your survey data not only contributes to cleaner dive sites but also informs meaningful policy change in local communities and is a powerful solution to tackle marine debris.

Event Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday

Morning: Kickoff with a Welcome Dive and Safety Briefing
Afternoon: Underwater Cleanup Begins

Day 2 & 3: Friday & Saturday

Morning to Afternoon: Diving Teams Collect Trash
Evening: Educational Workshops on Marine Conservation

Day 4: Sunday

Morning: Final Cleanup Dives
Afternoon: Trash Tally and Awards Ceremony
Evening: Festival of the Seas Celebration

Once the cleanup dive days are finished, the Festival of the Seas begins. Celebrate with your favorite dive shop alongside live music, fresh local cuisine, and storytelling sessions that honor the ocean. Share stories of the Dive Against Debris® dives, connect with fellow eco-warriors, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Joining Forces for a Cleaner Future: How PADI Divers Can Lead the Charge

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how you can dive into action.

Participate in the Florida Keys Trash Derby: Gear up and join forces with your favorite dive shop in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a diver through a local dive shop or alongside your buddies, every piece of marine debris you remove counts.
Make Every Dive a Survey Dive: Can’t make it to the event? Not a problem! Take your dives to the next level by logging any trash you find while surveying to the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris platform. You can organize or join clean-up dives in your local area.
Adopt Sustainable Diving Practices: Beyond the derby, continue to embody the spirit of conservation in every dive. Advocate for and practice responsible diving to minimize your environmental footprint.

The Ocean is calling and needs our help.
Will you simply count your dives or make your dives count?!

About I.CARE

I.CARE, a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys. With over 15,000 corals transplanted and more than 2,500 participants educated in their first two years, they are dedicated to making a tangible impact. The Trash Derby is not just an event; it’s a movement towards cleaner seas and a thriving marine ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.icaretrashderby.com. Follow them on social media to stay updated on all things Trash Derby!

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