As the morning wind blew, Karen Schneck Malaret He explained this Saturday to the crowd at the spa The Escambrónin San Juan, the impacts of pollution on the waters of the Puerto Rican coast, as part of an education and beach cleanup event led by Scuba Dogs Society and the turtle group 7 Keels.
“The sea begins in the mountains,” said the Education Coordinator of 7 Quillas to a group of volunteers, stressing the need to clean both beaches and rivers to combat pollution pollution.
During the event, which is part of Scuba Dogs Society’s educational efforts, 17 volunteers learned about the issue while contributing to the solution. In total, the group was estimated to have collected 17.9 pounds of trash, consisting primarily of straws, metal caps and cigarette butts..
Cigarette butts, in particular, play a major role in the pollution of Puerto Rico’s coasts. According to Schneck Malaret, despite their small size, they can contaminate 10 liters of salt water and up to 50 liters of fresh water.
“We have a very fragile ecosystem”expressed to The new day“If the sea is not healthy, neither are we.”
For her part, the marine biologist Ana Trujillowho coordinated the event on behalf of the Scuba Dogs Society, pointed out the importance of having “a network of committed volunteers” and collaborating with organizations throughout the archipelago.
In this way, clean-up and education efforts can be carried out throughout Puerto Rico, Trujillo said. In addition, The collaboration helps inform scientists about the material being collected and where it is.details that can be used to form public policy.
To rally people behind the cause, Scuba Dogs Society will host the largest cleanup event of the year, the International Coastal Cleanup, on September 21.Since 2002, the organization has acted as the local coordinator of the event, led by the Ocean Conservancy from Washington DC
Trujillo stressed that cleanups are not just about collecting trash, but creating a society of scientists, volunteers and citizens committed to environmental well-being. This is the message that inspires members of the new generation, such as Alina Barretowho started as a volunteer four years ago and today helps coordinate events as part of the organization.
It is hoped that these cleanups, along with education and pollution reduction, can help maintain the biodiversity emblematic of Puerto Rico.