​Trash Diving in British Virgin Islands 2014

One aspect of plastic pollution is that it plagues shorelines around the planet, and sometimes those are fantastic places to visit. In April 2014 we were fortunate to do a trial run of our “One Beach at a Time” sailing program. Our crew of 21 required three sailing catamarans to accommodate and they proved luxurious for all.

BVI is a sailing vacation mecca, and they understand that pristine water and beaches are good for business. However, the pressures from thousands of charter sailing trips all year long are real and obvious if you are looking. Beach bars use plastic cups and straws and many of them are lost into the bushes or the water.

The awareness is there but actions are a bit behind schedule. In some of the best snorkel spots we found plastic traces of humanity and in one of the most famous beaches we pulled up over 100 pounds of debris from the anchorage and delivered it to the dumpster. Curious island residents were delighted to learn about our concern for their neighborhood.

BVI has recently invested in a new waste management facility on Tortola that uses incineration to reduce the trash to ash. This is only a partial solution because the exhaust from the process carries smoke and ashes downwind to neighboring St. John, US Virgin Islands. There are discussions on making more changes.

​Project Summary

​Project Name: BVI 2014, One Beach at a Time

​Focus: Sailing Trash Tours Trial Run

​Number of Volunteers: 21

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​GROUPS INVOLVED

​ 3 Boat Private Charter with COI crew instructors 

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​CHALLENGE

Make environmental activism interesting, exciting, and sustainable 

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​SOLUTION

Sailing expeditions highlight challenges facing the oceans against a backdrop of palm-fringed beaches and golden sunsets and the contrast escalates the motivational factors dramatically. Stir with passionate and informed charter captain and crew and sweeten a snorkel in tropical water. This recipe serves up success. 

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​RESULTS

This was a fantastic trip and everyone had a memorable time. We are starting an ecotourism boom that highlights positive action on plastic pollution.