Overview:
Youth divers in Koror are taking the lead this Earth Month, removing more than 150 kilograms of marine debris from local waters during the 4th annual “Dive for Earth Day” cleanup. Organizers say the reduced waste collected this year signals growing progress in community-led conservation efforts.
Photo Credits: Palau Pledge
By: Ngeldei Tulop
KOROR—The Palau Pledge Dive Club officially launched Earth Month activities on April 10 with its 4th Annual “Dive for Earth Day” clean up at T-Dock in Meketii. The initiative brought together youth divers, community volunteers, and partner organizations in a shared effort to protect Palau’s marine environment.
Working alongside the Palau Earth Day Committee, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, and local dive operators, participants collected a total of 152 kilograms of marine debris from the ocean floor. Recovered items included beer cans and bottles, fishing lines, plastic fragments, and discarded textiles. The total marks a decrease from the 192 kilograms collected during last year’s dive, a shift organizers say reflects the growing impact of continued conservation efforts.
This year’s activity aligns with the Earth Month theme, “Investing in Our Community: Safeguarding Our Investments for a Cleaner Future.” Organizers emphasized that the clean up was not only about removing waste, but also about strengthening a sense of shared responsibility in caring for Palau’s natural resources. The event also continues to serve as a platform for engaging young people in positive, community-driven activities that promote responsibility and healthy lifestyles.
The Palau Pledge Dive Club acknowledged the support of several partners who contributed to the success of the event. Local dive shops—DayDream, Palau Pacific Island Tour, Palau Dive Adventure, and SeaWorld—provided essential diving equipment and tanks. The Koror State Solid Waste Management Team assisted with waste collection data and proper disposal, helping ensure accountability and long-term impact.
Support for diver safety was provided by Tim Linsell, Lucy Dickie, and Sara Vicente of the Palau International Coral Reef Center, who guided and monitored youth participants throughout the dive.
The Club also expressed appreciation to the Meketii community and local youth for their active involvement, highlighting their role in strengthening community-based conservation efforts. Additional support came from Koror State legislators Marie Anderson, Kyonori Tellames, and Olkeriil Yaoch, along with the Sons of Sureor and Senator Chico Nakamura, who provided refreshments. Dirratmetbab Sadaria W. Fritz was also recognized for preparing meals for participants.
“I can see less debris compared to our dive clean up last year. That’s how I know what we’re doing matters,” said Palau Pledge Ambassador LeBron Basilius.
As Earth Month continues, organizers are encouraging the public to remain involved in environmental efforts and to take part in upcoming activities. The community is invited to join the next event scheduled for April 25 at the Melekeok Marina, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Palau’s environment for future generations.