The Davao Reef Divers Club (DRDC) conducted simultaneous “scubasurero” dives last September 22 in the waters fronting the following beach resorts: Paradise Island Beach Resort, Costa Marina, Bluejaz Beach Resort & Waterpark, and Blue Waters Beach Resort. This was in line with the international coastal clean-up activities that happen every September all over the world.
The Club fielded 32 divers in the four areas off the western coast of Samal Island, and were able to collect almost 90 kilos of trash. The trash collected underwater consisted mostly of plastic bags and foil wrappers (sachets of toiletry products, candy wrappers and such). All four groups were also able to retrieve diapers, glass and plastic bottles, tin cans, and clothing.
DRDC President Oliver “Blogie” Robillo said that the value of this positive action by scuba divers lies in the awareness that such events hopefully brings to the general public. Robillo is also co-founder of the Save Philippine Seas national movement (on Twitter: @savephseas). He said that, no matter how many times the Club conducts their scubasurero dives, the marine environment will continue to suffer if the consuming public doesn’t realize the urgency of keeping the oceans free from human garbage.
Majority of the DRDC’s monthly club dives are geared towards environment conservation awareness. This month’s scubasurero dives were sponsored by the Carabao Dive Center (www.divedavao.com), Monterey, Magnolia Chicken, and the four Samal beach resorts mentioned above. Each club member also chipped in by paying for the boat and dive tank fees.
The participating divers reported that the coral reefs in front of the resorts appeared to be quite healthy, with thriving coral communities and an abundance of reef fish inhabiting the reefs. A DRDC member and veteran diver, Alta Celeste “Chiclet” Gerochi, lamented that it was a shame the beauty of the underwater world should be blemished by plastics and other trash carelessly discarded by people.
The club members are looking forward to the next scubasurero dives that are already being scheduled for October 2012. The club is open to all certified scuba divers. For more information, please call 300-1092 or email blogie@scubasurero.org.
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