Join the Dive!
Gear up, Go down, Get Trashy
Only certified divers can remove the fishing line and debris hidden on Florida’s reefs. Join the cleanup and protect the coast.
Join us for our 3rd Annual Reel It In For the Reefs dive cleanup event, sponsored by the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. Help us protect Florida’s reefs from the debris that threatens sea turtles year-round. Together, we can restore the underwater habitats they call home.
Certified Divers Only
The trash you see on the beach? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real threat lies below. Fishing line, nets and plastic drift or settle on coral reefs out of sight — and only a diver can reach them. That’s why Reel It In for the Reefs empowers South Florida’s dive community to restore what others can’t.
How to Join
Choose Your Boat
Visit the website of a participating dive shop and give them a call to register
Sign up begins January 1, 2026
Register & Get Gear
Free dive charter fee + event T-shirt + collection bag + line-cutters
Dive & Remove Debris
How We Equip Our Divers
Special Offer: Force-E Dive Shops will provide 20% off tank fills and rental equipment for the cleanup dive.
Gear & Support
Free Dive Charter Fee: Boat fees are covered for cleanup participants thanks to our sponsors.
Equipment: Bring your own dive equipment and tanks or rent them.
Safety Gear Provided: Each diver receives mesh collection bags, line-cutters for safe debris removal, and bottles for hooks (while supplies last)
Event T-Shirt: A badge of honor for participants and crew.
*Participants are welcome to bring their own collection bags or lift bags for larger items like anchors, provided they are comfortable using them. Gloves are required and must be supplied by each participant.
Training & Guidance
Briefing Before Dive: Foundation reps review reef-safe cleanup techniques and debris removal protocols.
Buddy & Surface Support: Certified divers are paired for safety, with onboard spotters assisting during recovery.
Debris Logging: After each dive, all recovered debris is weighed, recorded, and recycled through official partners.
Community Recognition
Impact Tracking: Each diver’s contributions count toward annual reef restoration stats.
Post-Dive Celebration: Participants gather to share results, photos, and stories from the cleanup dives.
Sponsor & Partner Acknowledgment: Recognition for dive shops, marinas, and businesses that make these dives possible.
Post-Dive Debris Sorting
After docking, all debris will be:
- Sorted, weighed, and documented by volunteers following Debris Free Ocean protocol.
- Debris will be logged with SeaFan the non-profit arm of the Department of Environmental Protection and with PADI Aware and we are officially part of the KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL’s “GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN UP”.
- Fishing line is being recycled by Coastal Connections in Vero Beach.
- Data will be recorded for further reporting (details on where this information will be submitted are forthcoming).
Sign up today and make a difference!
Choose your preferred dive boat and sign up today!
Visit the website of a participating dive shop and give them a call to register.