SPLASH FOR TRASH

The line began forming at 8 p.m.
Volunteers signing up at the registration table are all given free T-shirts, compliments of Coca Cola.

 Project A.W.A.R.E. and The Ocean Conservancy, coordinate underwater cleanup efforts worldwide. International Cleanup Day, founded in 1986, began as a statewide cleanup in Texas. It involved 2,800 volunteers in collecting approximately 124 tons of trash. 

Perhaps, to some, Manzanillo's effort with only 146 volunteers seems small by comparison, but this is just the beginning of a year-round program to improve Manzanillo's already-beautiful beaches, and educate the public.

"My future depends on you!"

If the youngest participant in the beach cleanup could speak, she'd tell Mamas everywhere to make sure her Pampers go in the trash, not on the beach.

 Participation in International Cleanup Day not only improves the health of local waters; it creates public awareness on aquatic debris issues, helps identify pollution sources and compiles valuable data for scientists and policymakers. 

Following the “Splash for Trash,” a party was held at the El Marino Restaurant in San Pedrito. Food was provided free to all participants by Sergio Montiel of the El Marino, and Sushi Express. Pepsi and Coca Cola provided soft drinks, and beer was donated by Nissan and Corona. Coca Cola also provided free T-shirts for all participants.

Divers listen carefully to instructions

Divers are conscientious protectors of the underwater environment. You can help preserve this precious resource for future generations by supporting PADI and Project A.W.A.R.E. 

More beach cleanup photos

Underworld Scuba organized Manzanillo’s original “Playas Limpias, Si se puede!” (Clean the Beaches, Yes We Can!) in 1998, which was developed into a public foundation. Six years ago, Underworld Scuba - Scuba Shack founded a new not-for-profit organization, BUCEAA ("Buzos Unidos Conservando El Ambiente Acuatico," or in English, "Divers United to Conserve the Aquatic Environment.") The multi-purposes of BUCEAA include: 

  1. Regular clean-up of all Manzanillos beaches, above and below the water

  2. Open a recycling center for plastic and glass

  3. Establish a pay-per-piece system for each plastic or glass container turned in

  4. Erect a safety net at both ends of the tunnel going under Manzanillo

  5. Establish an "Adopt a Beach" program

  6. Provide continuing education lectures and leaflets to the schools

  7. Provide free plastic bags (imprinted with BUCEAA's logo and cleanup slogan) to beachgoers

  8. Organize more beach/ocean cleanups in other areas

  9. Encourage the state and local government to enforce the already-existing law regulating dumping of trash

  10. Create a video with BUCEAA's  pro-environment and ecology message

  11. Protect Manzanillo's coral reefs and dive sites by installing mooring buoys and safety circles

  12. Plan a booth for environmental education at Manzanillo's largest yearly event, "Fiestas de Mayo"

  13. In conjunction with the University of Colima, establish an official "stamp of approval" for areas of beaches, similar to the hotel "star" rating system

Press conference announcing formation of BUCEAA and beach cleanups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-founders and directors of the organization BUCEAA are Carlos Cuellar (center) and Susan Dearing (right). Public Relations Director is Ruben Romo (left).

If you would like more information on how you can help BUCEAA and make Manzanillo the best vacation or retirement city in Mexico, e-mail: contact Susan Dearing or Carlos Cuellar at (011-52-314) 333-3678 or e-mail.
The PADI Dive Center Underworld Scuba chose Playa San Pedrito to kick off this International campaign because it is one of the oldest and most populated (therefore the dirtiest) beaches in Manzanillo. 

Joining Underworld Scuba in this event was the Mexican Navy dive team, CET del Mar (a marine sciences technical school), University of Colima, Pilotos de Practica (ferry boat captains), charter fishing boat owners Sam and Marilyn Short and their boat the Rosa Elena,  as well as the current Manzanillo government leadership. 

Sam Short raises the Mexican flag on his fishing boat, "Rosa Elena."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rosa Elena performed a valuable service: Keeping track of 16 divers who were in the La Perlita area picking up trash. If a diver needed assistance, Sam and his boat captain were there, ready to lend a hand.

Dr. Lidia, organizer of the beach cleanup wait for her T-shirt

As the event commenced, BUCEAA board member Juan Luis Flores, who served as master of ceremonies for the cleanup, passed out T-shirts to every registrant.

 Others who donated or contributed funds or support include La Punta Ecological Foundation, Soriana general manager Gerard Macias, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Corona, Mar Industrias, Colima Department of Tourism, Jimmy and Barbara Brown, and Nissan. Signs were paid for by the Kipper Lopez family, Materiales Monterrey, and the Joaquin Torres family. The city of Manzanillo provided a microphone and speakers, so board member Juan Luis Flores could provide a running commentary of the day's activities. The Manzanillo maintenance department provided prompt trash removal at the end of the day. Underworld Scuba donated all dive gear used by the scuba divers, provided free tank fills, and purchased gasoline for several of the boats used by the divers.
More than 18 individual articles and 3 political cartoons appeared in 4 local and state newspapers in both English and Spanish.

The cartoon, appearing in the "Noticiero," September 8, depicts a diver (with "A.W.A.R.E." written on his scuba tank) collecting trash. 

Among the items found on the ocean floor are containers, an old boat, a voter election box, a battery and a dinosaur (why not). A fish with tumors (caused by polluted waters) and a hungry shark look on.

All Manzanillo and Colima newspapers supported the beach cleanup.

The excitement of a live broadcast Hundreds of radio spots and interviews with the directors of BUCEAA were broadcast (and continue to be on the air) to further promote the worthy cause. 

In the photo at left, Carlos Cuellar and Dr. Lidia Silva are interviewed by Radio K-Lien-T.

The general manager of Radio Turquesa Rafael Canet, is also a diver trained by Underworld Scuba. He generously donated many daily radio spots.
The response from the news media, the community, and the government proved that Manzanillo is a community that cares.

In the photo at right, Alexandro Perez, who won Colima's Journalist of the Year award, talks about an individual's responsibility to keep the beaches and oceans clean. 

Alex is a diver who appreciates the necessity for a cleaner ocean. Before he became a respected journalist in Manzanillo, he worked for Underworld Scuba.

Alex is never at a loss for words