Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup Set Feb. 25
January 19, 2012
Byline: Nu Yang
AVALON — Divers will don scuba gear and remove debris from the protected waters off Avalon during the 31st annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, Feb. 25.
Founded by the local dive community in an effort to keep Avalon Harbor clean, this event is the only time each year that diving is permitted in the harbor. Proceeds will benefit the Catalina Conservancy Divers Given Fund for Ocean Conservation (established in the name of Dr. Robert Given) and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.
Catalina Conservancy Divers is a support group of the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber is a life-support recompression chamber on the island that serves thousands of divers who frequent Catalina area waters.
In past years, more than 500 divers have participated in this event, retrieving underwater trash and lost items from the harbor floor. They have also raised significant funds for the hyperbaric chamber and conservation. According to event organizers, last year’s dive raised $21,758 in gross revenue — a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
Online registration is available for $40 per person through Feb. 18. On-site registration will be available the day of the event from 7-8:30 a.m. for $50 per person. However, early registration is encouraged, as late arrivals are not guaranteed participation in the event.
Each participant is invited to start a fundraising page, and the diver who collects the most money will win a Catalina Island Jeep Eco Tour.
To register, or to get more information, visit catalinaconservancy.org.
