The Spanish coast has recently witnessed one of the largest environmental mobilizations of the year, focused on cleaning up the underwater ecosystem. Along several strategic locations, hundreds of recreational and professional divers, together with land-based volunteers, coordinated their efforts to remove a massive amount of trash that threatens the rich biodiversity of our coastline. This collective effort demonstrates that citizen involvement is a fundamental driving force for environmental protection. restoration of the natural environment.
This massive deployment is not limited to the physical collection of waste, but also seeks to generate a valuable scientific knowledge base for the future. Through various participatory methodologies, each extracted object is classified in detail, allowing experts to analyze it. to understand more precisely the origin of the pollution and thus design more effective preventative strategies that ensure the long-term health of our seas.
Successful participation in the Region of Murcia and Cartagena
On the Murcian coast, the 5th Macro Seabed Cleanup has brought together more than 500 people committed to the environment. This initiative, promoted by the regional federation of underwater activities, has covered key locations from San Pedro del Pinatar to Águilas. Places like La Manga, Cabo de Palos, and La Azohía have witnessed meticulous underwater work, where it has become clear that, although there is still much to be done, progress has been made. The amount of garbage removed is somewhat less. than in previous years, which suggests greater social awareness.
El Portús beach in Cartagena was one of the epicenters of this activity thanks to the organization of the GESC Club and the support of the university community. Volunteers from the UPCT (Polytechnic University of Cartagena) joined in the logistical and sorting efforts, reinforcing the idea that protecting natural heritage is a responsibility that must be shared between institutions and citizens. Local authorities have highlighted the importance of seeing associations and universities working side by side. It allows us to move forward together. towards a much more sustainable city model that is more respectful of its environment.
Since these intensive campaigns began in the area a few years ago, thousands of kilograms of waste have been recovered from the depths. This historical data is essential for public bodies, as it allows them to justify investments in sustainability and environmental regeneration. Furthermore, the collaboration of local diving centers has been crucial. reach hard-to-access points where the accumulation of plastics and fishing gear was especially critical for the endangered aquatic animals.
The day in the Mediterranean also served to highlight the importance of volunteering as an educational tool. By involving families and young people in sorting waste on the beach, a direct visual impact on the problem of marine litter is achieved. This awareness-raising work is key, since the best way to conserve the marine environment is prevent waste from reaching the water Firstly, by promoting much more responsible consumption and disposal habits.
Major discoveries on the northern coasts
In the north of the peninsula, activity has been equally intense, notably the intervention in the A Coruña Marina during the Mar de Mares festival. During this event, divers managed to extract nearly a ton of waste, among which the discovery of a bicycle rental vehicle and packaging remnants over a century old was particularly surprising. These items, while curious, are a reflection of the lasting impact of human activity and how the sea has been wrongly used as a dumping ground for decades.
Meanwhile, in the Basque Country, divers from the Izaro Sub club focused their efforts on the old port of Bermeo. Equipped with nets and cutting tools, the volunteers removed plastics, glass, and abandoned fishing gear that posed an imminent danger to local wildlife. The participation of the Marine Watchers Network in this area ensures that every gram of trash is removed. registered on official digital platforms, contributing to national studies coordinated by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
In Asturias, Rebolleres beach in Candás was also the site of an underwater cleanup organized by the León Sub club. Despite less than ideal visibility, the team of divers managed to recover several dozen kilograms of harmful materials. These types of recurring cleanups in the Cantabrian Sea are vital, as strong currents often carry the waste, causing it to accumulate. constant monitoring of the fund is necessary to maintain ecosystems in an acceptable state of health.
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Mobilization on the Andalusian coast
Andalusia has not been left behind in this wave of environmental solidarity, with notable actions in Malaga, Granada, and Cadiz. In Rincon de la Victoria, La Cala del Moral beach hosted fifty volunteers for the LIBERA 1m² campaign. The main objective was to surpass the figures from previous years and promote citizen science among the neighbors, who actively participated in categorizing the waste extracted by Eco&Dive divers to feed the national inventory of marine litter.
In Almuñécar, the cleanup operation around the iconic Peñón del Santo resulted in the removal of over 150 kilos of debris. Among the most common items found were large tires, lead weights, and remnants of fishing nets that become trapped among the rocks. The support of local diving centers and the town council was essential for the operation. to make visible a problem that often remains hidden beneath the surface, but directly affecting the image and ecology of the beaches of Almuñécar.
Puerto Sherry, in El Puerto de Santa María, has consolidated its participation for the third consecutive year, working in different basins and breakwaters of the marina. With the help of companies specializing in waste management, tarpaulins, ropes, and plastics that accidentally fall into the water have been removed. Those in charge of the activity point out that, fortunately, a positive evolution in the cleaning of the funds port areas, with a decreasing presence of heavy waste such as ship batteries.
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Applied science and solidarity aspect
One of the most innovative aspects of these events is the use of mobile applications like MARNOBA, which allows volunteers to upload real-time data on the location and type of litter found. This methodology transforms a simple cleanup into a large-scale research project. The information gathered is vital for government agencies, as it allows them to identify... What are the most frequent types of waste? in each area and act directly on its origin, either by improving urban management or launching specific campaigns.
In addition to the environmental benefits, these campaigns often have a strong social component. Thanks to collaborations with various organizations and companies, the kilos of trash removed from the sea are converted into kilos of non-perishable food. This charitable aspect makes the volunteers feel doubly useful, as their efforts underwater are also recognized. it becomes direct aid for the Spanish Federation of Food Banks, thus supporting families experiencing economic hardship throughout the country.
The combined efforts of public administrations, diving clubs, and ordinary citizens are key to ensuring the survival of our marine ecosystems. By transforming seabed cleanups into an activity that blends scientific rigor with humanitarian aid, a positive impact is generated that transcends the purely environmental. These events leave a profound mark on the collective consciousness, reminding us that keeping the sea free of waste is not just a cleaning task, but a vital responsibility. ethical commitment to the health of the planet and the well-being of local communities.
