Reduce plastic waste diving in Portugal

*Also available in Barcelona, Spain*

Want to make a difference? Then join this eco-dive school in their mission to clean up the ocean around Lisbon, Portugal. You’ll take part in daily dives to help clear the reefs of fishing gear, debris and plastics in order to help the marine ecosystem to thrive. This is a great opportunity to improving the environment we live in as well as being able to dive in some relatively undiscovered waters.

Description

Marine waste kills more than 130,000 seals, whales and dolphins every year. Fishing gear that has been lost over the sides of fishing boats are the main culprit, 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear is left in our oceans each year, most of this is made of plastic and it can take up to 600 years to degrade.

The eco-dive school is around 30 minutes outside Lisbon.  You’ll take part in the daily ocean clean ups, removing fishing gear, plastics, tyres and other rubbish from the sea. This is a real eye opener and you will learn what an impact humanity in making on our planet and do something to reverse it.

Almost 3000kg of rubbish has been removed by our volunteers inPortugalto date. This has impacted in a noticeable improvement in marine life in these areas, so your work will not go unnoticed.

What will I be doing?

You will visit different dive sites daily, which can be around 15 – 30 minutes away from the harbour. Most dives will last from 20 – 50 minutes depending on the depth of the water and how complex the mission. You will be diving in waters up to 20 metres deep although most dives are around 12 – 15 metres.

Tasks on the project may include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting rubbish from the seas and making a real difference to the ocean conservation
• Diving in the amazing underwater world of Portugal
• Learning about the marine environment and how you can protect it
• Recycling any debris that has been collected
• Returning any usable fishing gear to local fishermen
• Working in the local community and educating them on environmental issues facing the oceans
• Collaborating with local fishermen to reduce the amount of fishing gear being lost in the ocean
• Weighing the collected rubbish and recording the results of the dive
• Improving your diving skills with further training and certification

Please note, Weather can impact this project so plans can change at the last minute.

What diving experience do I need?

Tuition and guidance will be offered to all abilities and all diving equipment is provided so we welcome divers of all abilities.

You may be able to gain extra diving qualifications whilst taking part in this project.

Accommodation

• Accommodation will be provided in a shared volunteer house in Lisbon, 20 – 30 minutes from the city centre
• Be prepared to share a room and bathroom with 3 – 9 other volunteers
• The eco-house you’ll live in, prides itself on being one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in Lisbon
• Furniture is built from recycled goods. Single use plastics are kept to a minimum, food waste is composted or shared
• Large patio where you can enjoy free yoga and exercise classes, or relax after a day diving
• Living room with book swap, TV and projection screen for films
• WiFi available

Food

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided each day
• Breakfast consists of fruit, breads and spreads, cereals, toast, tea and coffee
• Lunch and dinner often include meat, fish, pasta, rice, vegetables, salad, stir fry (Portuguese style)
• Access to tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits throughout the day
• Arrangements can be made for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free and lactose-free diets