Coastal Clean Up in Tenerife

On Sunday 8th March we organised a coastal clean up in Tenerife to continue our efforts to clean the ocean. We hosted the first PADI Run/Hike Against Debris, with the aim to collect debris from the coast. The important part of this event was to collect the debris before it enters the ocean. This was an initiative created by Jason Sockett, our PADI Regional Manager and other dive centres across Europe took part.

Our route covered just over 7km. It started in Las Galletas Port and followed a coastal path to finish in Palm Mar, while crossing 7 of our favourite dive sites. The hike took 4 hours to complete and with the help of 13 volunteers (following Covid-19 protocols) we collected a total of 17 large bags of debris. All the debris collected was within 50 meters from the ocean and surely would have ended up in it. A variety of debris was collected including glass, plastics, metals, clothing, a lot of cigarette butts and an odd flip-flop.

How can we make a difference?

Local resident Martin said “Thanks to Paradise Divers for organising this shore clean up. We collected 17 x big rubbish bags of litter that people have left behind. Please people, have a bit of respect for others. Pick up your rubbish and take it home with you.”

Dan adds “It is a shame that we have to run these types of events on a regular basis but the coast is full of litter and we see most of it appearing underwater. During a dive we recently saw a seahorse holding on to a sardine tin with its tail! Today we picked up over 30 sardine tins in the first hour, which I can only assume fishermen are using as bait and then throwing the tins on the floor. If everyone would pick up after themselves and do their bit for the environment it would be a better world. I am very grateful for the 13 divers and non-divers who took part in the event and the environment is now cleaner because of it!”