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Language: en

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The waters of the Florida Keys.

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Brimming with life but hidden from view,

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the coral reefs are the
foundation of a thriving ecosystem

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full of a dazzling array of marine wildlife.

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In 2017, the aftermath of the devastation
wrought by Hurricane Irma

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revealed a troubling and growing threat

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to this highly diverse and economically valuable environment.

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Underwater marine debris.

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Discarded items, including fishing line, anchors,

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damaged and displaced traps, and plastic waste

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covered habitats, choking them of
life and threatening the ocean economy

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that depends on them.

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In response to this growing crisis,
the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

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joined with
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

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to create Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys.

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The program is a partnership with tourism operators in the Keys

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who often come into close contact
with underwater debris

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and whose livelihoods depend on healthy reefs.

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Participating dive operators, with necessary permits and
training,

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safely removed debris from fragile reef systems through
coordinated cleanup dives,

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some even including members of the public.

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Within the first year of the program,

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Goal: Clean Seas dive operators removed
approximately 19,000 pounds of debris

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and 16,000 feet of line and rope
from sanctuary waters.

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Removing harmful debris improves the environment

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by ensuring cleaner water
and protecting wildlife

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but also safeguards the $4.4 billion and 43,000 jobs

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that Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
generates for the state's economy.

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This success of Goal: Clean Seas
Florida Keys could not be possible

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without the dedicated support of the
Keys community and the partnership

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between dive operators, the National
Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the sanctuary.

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And this is only the beginning.

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Marine debris is a continuous problem in the Florida Keys and the ocean beyond.

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With your support, Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys

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can make an even greater impact.

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We can use what we've learned from the collected debris

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to start making changes that prevent debris
from entering the water in the first place

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and we can use this model to get more people involved in the Keys

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while also expanding our efforts
to other national marine sanctuaries.

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Underwater marine debris is a serious problem

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that causes harm to reefs,
marine life, and the economy.

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By working together, we can safeguard those most fragile ecosystems

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for the sake of the ocean and everything in it.

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Join us in Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys.