The majority of this debris (left) is Styrofoam and plastic. It will take 50-80 years for foamed plastic to decompose, and up to 450 years for other types of plastic.
Who cleans up Manzanillo's beaches twice a day?
The tide.
Who cleans up the oceans?
PADI Professionals and Project AWARE divers.
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Storms or high tides are responsible for
bringing up much of the trash left on the beach. However, we are
responsible for letting it get into the ocean first.
The majority of this debris (left) is Styrofoam and plastic. It will take 50-80 years for foamed plastic to decompose, and up to 450 years for other types of plastic. |
When you see trash like this, pick it up.
Bring a trash bag with you to the beach.
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It will take one million years for this glass bottle to decompose. |
This aluminum Modelo beer can will take 80-200 years to break down. |
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
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Monofilament fishing line--How long 'till it's gone? 600 years. |
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A plastic cup, one of hundreds found in the bay of Playa Audiencia, in front of the Hotel Tesoro, an all-inclusive hotel. If divers don't pick it up, it will be around for about 50 years. |
Reduce the use of Styrofoam and
other plastic.
Re-use the same cup, and take it back to the hotel when you leave the beach.
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A common occurrence: Illegal gill netting close to shore means damage to coral reefs. |
Paper and plastic left behind by recreational beachgoers. |
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Underwater photos taken in Manzanillo. All data in this feature article came from |
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Underwater trash photos provided by Richard Baker and Susan Dearing, PADI Instructors.
