Registration opens for Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup

AVALON — Calling all divers! Registration is currently open to all scuba divers interested in helping to collect trash and debris from Avalon Bay during the annual event scheduled for Feb. 20.

USC’s Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber and Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies – Catalina Conservancy Divers will host the 35th annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, an event that draws more than 500 volunteers and helps rid the bay of debris.

Divers can sign up to lend a hand – and some time – cleaning up the harbor during the popular dive. 

What began as a cleanup effort in the 1970s, the dive is now one of the largest annual dives in Southern California. Approximately 2,940 pounds of trash was removed from Avalon Harbor in 2015. The event is the only time diving is allowed in the harbor. 

Dive locations include Casino Landing, Green Pier and Lover’s Cove.  

The cleanup helps raise funding for the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Scientific Diving Program. Registration: $50 for divers who register by Feb. 13; $60 day-of registration at Wrigley Stage. 

Register at ow.ly/WECHu.