In July, off the coast of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, the boat ‘Makau’ set out to sea with seven volunteers. Underwater, the scene changed dramatically: murky water, brought by the current, obscured the seabed, almost no corals remained, and fish were rarely encountered. It was here, near Kailua Pier, that the Ocean Defenders Alliance team was searching for old tires, which have lain on the sand for years, slowly poisoning the surrounding environment.
Tires in the ocean are not just trash. They release chemicals, disrupt the natural composition of the water, and become traps for small inhabitants. The volunteers, including experienced divers and novices, used underwater scooters and GPS buoys to pinpoint the locations. One large truck tire was lifted using an inflatable bag: the sand had to be cleared manually, visibility dropped to zero, but persistence prevailed.
In addition to the tire, a rope, a net, a buoy, and a large cover from a marine radar were brought to the surface. Each such find is not only a relief from visible pollution but also a prevention of plastic breaking down into microscopic particles that then spread throughout the ocean. In a busy bay where boats and people are constantly present, even one retrieved tire reduces the risk of damage to the remaining corals during storms.
The project became possible thanks to the organization's own boat: previously, access to such areas was limited. Regular outings allow them to track new accumulations of waste and react quickly before the debris breaks down into smaller and more dangerous fragments. Volunteers note that even in conditions of poor visibility and strong currents, the result is worth the effort – every kilogram of material lifted gives the water a chance to remain cleaner.
Such actions demonstrate how local efforts impact the integrity of coastal ecosystems. When tires and large debris remain on the seabed, they gradually alter the water chemistry and seabed structure, affecting the ability of reefs to recover from natural and anthropogenic stresses. Systematic cleanups help preserve the few areas where life still persists.
Thanks to monthly donations, the team can plan new expeditions and attract more participants. Each outing is not just physical work but also a reminder that the ocean near our shores needs constant attention, not one-off gestures.
Regular cleaning of coastal waters from tires and large debris directly reduces the risk of chemical pollution and mechanical damage to corals.
