PITCH-IN CANADA
Resource Centre

How Scuba Divers can help protect the Underwater Environment

What can I do as a Scuba Diver?

Here are some of the things that will help make a difference:

• NEVER DISCARD TRASH OVERBOARD
  • Without exceptions!
    
• CAMPAIGN FOR DISPOSAL FACILITIES
  • Docks and marinas should provide adequate garbage and recycling bins.

• CLEAN-UP
  • Trash from shore or in the water. Make sure it is disposed of in a secure place so that it can't be blown back into the water. That may mean taking some or all of it away from the area or even home with you.
    
• ORGANIZE OR PARTICIPATE IN SHORELINE CLEAN UPS
  • They are organized each April/May and September. You can register by contacting PITCH-IN CANADA.
    
• SHARE YOUR CONCERN WITH OTHERS
  • Sometimes people are careless about their waste, not realizing how quickly it can wind up in the water. Point out that clean waterways are good for all life!
    
• REPORT DUMPING
  • Take photos of anyone you see violating marine laws.
  • Record boat registration numbers, full description of boat and its occupants, date, time and location-loran reading, if available.
  • Contact your local Environment Ministry, Coast Guard or others responsible for enforcing laws.
  • Send copies to PITCH-IN CANADA so we are aware of what is happening. For our address click here

To find out about the Shoreline Clean Up Program click here

To register your underwater clean up for the Shoreline Clean Up click here

For information about marine debris click here

For Dive Tips for your Underwater Clean Ups please click here

For Safety Guidelines for Underwater Clean Ups please click here