SSI Blue Oceans and Mares teamed up with I.CARE to support the fourth annual Trash Derby in Florida.
The community-driven conservation effort rallied divers, boaters and ocean advocates from Key Largo to Key West to protect the Florida Keys’ fragile marine habitats.
This year’s Derby showcased the dive community’s commitment, with nearly 35,000 pounds/15,876 kilos of debris removed from reefs, mangroves, shorelines and waterways. Over several days, hundreds of volunteers worked above and below the surface to clear harmful trash while raising public awareness about reef protection and marine stewardship.
The multi-day event culminated in the lively Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada, where participants, conservation groups, and local businesses celebrated the weekend’s achievements with live music, vendors, raffles and hands-on marine education.
The results of the I.CARE Trash Derby are as follows:
Land & Shore Division:
- DerSno – 1,928.45 lbs/person
- SOS – 659.05 lbs/person
- College of the Florida Keys – 486.4 lbs/person
Private Boat Division:
- Fisherman & the Mermaid – 1,325 lbs/person
- Conch Republic Marine Army – 717.40 lbs/person
- Dumpster Divers – 369.91 lbs/person
Dive Operator Division:
- Quiescence Diving – 62.12 lbs/total divers
- Key Dives – 32.30 lbs/ total divers
- Horizon Divers – 28.18 lbs/ total divers
In addition, the following awards were given to participants:
Most Unique Item:
- Reef Renewal USA – Toilet
- Conch Republic Divers – Toilet seat
- The Tide Tribe – Car engine
Special Awards:
- Most Traps Removed – Conch Republic Marine Army (34 traps)
- Most Monofilament Collected – Conch Republic Divers (57 lbs)
- Most Small Waste Removed – JSIS (13 bags of small waste)
Commenting on the partnership and success of the event, SSI Marketing Manager for North America Rachael Steidley said:
“The continued growth of the Trash Derby proves what can happen when the dive industry and local communities come together with a shared purpose. Events like this show the incredible power divers have to create real environmental impact while strengthening the connection between our industry and ocean conservation.”
