Whether on land, along the shoreline, or underwater, monofilament fishing line is a serious threat to wildlife. Entangled animals and birds can suffer from amputated limbs, starvation, and drowning. Fishing line also becomes entwined on reefs damaging coral and causing turtles or other animals that accidentally ingest it to become sick; it can be a hazard for diver and boater safety as well.

All types of debris are problematic and with your help we can remove literally thousands of pounds from important and fragile areas, be it near mangroves, under docks and bridges, or at local dive sites such as reefs and wrecks. During the Spring 2002 Clean Ups, volunteers collected 4,000 pounds of trash and monofilament line. But marine debris is an ongoing problem and we are hoping to have even more people involved this year.

The Adopt-A-Reef Clean Up programs are supported by local businesses who are offering discounted rates on boat transport and equipment rental fees. Adopt-A-Reef clean up days occur in April and September. Each dive operator selects the days for their clean up. A listing of participating dive operators will be posted on this page in March 2007. If you are interested in signing up for any of the clean-ups, please contact the business directly for details.

We thank you in advance for your participation. The Adopt-A-Reef program is made possible through a partnership between the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Ocean Conservancy.

For more information or to volunteer contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 305-809-4700.