As part of the nationwide environmental campaign ‘1m² Against Litter’, divers and volunteers from the Red de Vigilantes Marinos (Marine Watch Network) removed 45 kilograms of rubbish in a single day from two popular beach locations in the Canary Islands.
Now in its ninth year, the initiative, backed by the Libera project, mobilises thousands of people across Spain to clean up natural environments and coastal areas. The Marine Watch Network, made up primarily of volunteer divers, works directly in the sea to collect waste that threatens marine ecosystems.
According to environmental experts, marine litter is responsible for the deaths of over one million seabirds and 100,000 sea turtles annually.
This year's campaign has seen the mobilisation of around 2,000 volunteers across multiple regions, including the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Asturias, Catalonia, Galicia, and the Basque Country. Thirteen clean-up operations were carried out on Saturday alone, resulting in the removal of over two tonnes of marine waste nationwide.
Among the items collected were abandoned fishing gear, glass bottles, metal scraps, and unusual debris such as long PVC pipes, window glass, and disposable vapes.
Two Clean-ups in the Canary Islands
In La Gomera, divers and volunteers from the El Sebadal Diving Club conducted a clean-up at Playa de la Cueva in San Sebastián. Their efforts led to the removal of 25 kilograms of waste, including plastic bags, bottles, cans, fishing lines, hooks, lead weights, and rope. The initiative was supported by the Cabildo de La Gomera, the San Sebastián Town Hall, RedPromar, Distribuciones Argon, and Scubatec Canarias.
Meanwhile, in Tenerife, volunteers from Club Radazul removed approximately 20 kilograms of waste from the breakwater at the Radazul Marina. The debris included numerous plastic containers, rope fragments, and a large PVC pipe. The event was supported by the Tenerife Cabildo, Tenerife! Despierta emociones, Islas Canarias Latitud de Vida, and DXT Tenerife.
Today, Sunday, for World Oceans Day, further clean-up activities are planned. The Terramare Club will lead an underwater clean-up at La Nea Beach (El Rosario, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The effort will be supported by local diving clubs, as well as regional authorities including the Cabildo and Santa Cruz Town Hall.
The Red de Vigilantes Marinos is coordinated by the NGO Oceánidas, with support from the Spanish Marine Litter Association (AEBAM) and Vertidos Cero. Numerous public and private organisations across Spain are contributing to the campaign, reaffirming their commitment to the protection of marine ecosystems.
