The waters of the Florida Keys.
Brimming with life but hidden from view,
the coral reefs are the foundation of a thriving ecosystem
full of a dazzling array of marine wildlife.
In 2017, the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma
revealed a troubling and growing threat
to this highly diverse and economically valuable environment.
Underwater marine debris.
Discarded items, including fishing line, anchors,
damaged and displaced traps, and plastic waste
covered habitats, choking them of life and threatening the ocean economy
that depends on them.
In response to this growing crisis, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
joined with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
to create Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys.
The program is a partnership with tourism operators in the Keys
who often come into close contact with underwater debris
and whose livelihoods depend on healthy reefs.
Participating dive operators, with necessary permits and training,
safely removed debris from fragile reef systems through coordinated cleanup dives,
some even including members of the public.
Within the first year of the program,
Goal: Clean Seas dive operators removed approximately 19,000 pounds of debris
and 16,000 feet of line and rope from sanctuary waters.
Removing harmful debris improves the environment
by ensuring cleaner water and protecting wildlife
but also safeguards the $4.4 billion and 43,000 jobs
that Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary generates for the state's economy.
This success of Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys could not be possible
without the dedicated support of the Keys community and the partnership
between dive operators, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the sanctuary.
And this is only the beginning.
Marine debris is a continuous problem in the Florida Keys and the ocean beyond.
With your support, Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys
can make an even greater impact.
We can use what we've learned from the collected debris
to start making changes that prevent debris from entering the water in the first place
and we can use this model to get more people involved in the Keys
while also expanding our efforts to other national marine sanctuaries.
Underwater marine debris is a serious problem
that causes harm to reefs, marine life, and the economy.
By working together, we can safeguard those most fragile ecosystems
for the sake of the ocean and everything in it.
Join us in Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys.