On March 8, 2025, we joined One Ocean Conservation, led by shark expert Ocean Ramsey, for their monthly reef and beach cleanup at Portlock Point - China Walls. These cleanups bring together ocean lovers, conservationists, and divers to remove harmful debris from the ocean while protecting the delicate marine ecosystem.
A Dive with Purpose
Upon arrival, One Ocean Conservation’s crew greeted volunteers, organizing teams and setting us to work. The conditions were nothing short of magical—whales circled us as we entered the water, their songs echoing through the blue, while green sea turtles glided past, offering a warm welcome to their home.
For the next two hours, divers explored the reef and ocean floor, scanning for lost fishing gear, lead weights, and other debris. The haul was eye-opening—old lead fishing weights, tangled fishing lines damaging coral, discarded clothing, and various other trash. Divers carefully cut away fishing lines wrapped around the reef, removing hazards that threaten marine life.
Turning Ocean Waste into Dive Gear
At the end of the dive, we climbed up the rugged cliffs of China Walls and gathered as a group to sort through the collected debris. Among the recovered waste were numerous lead fishing weights—a major contributor to ocean pollution.
This is where Bright Buoy Diving steps in. Our team rescues discarded lead from the ocean, melts it down, and repurposes it into high-quality, coated dive weights. Instead of polluting the reef, these materials now serve freedivers and ocean explorers, creating a sustainable cycle.
Expanding Our Impact
We had a great haul that day, but the mission doesn’t stop here. To further our commitment to sustainability, we’re launching a drop-off site in May where divers can bring recovered lead weights and other ocean debris to be properly recycled—keeping it out of landfills and giving it a second life in the water.
This is the heart of Bright Buoy Diving—full-circle sustainability, community-driven conservation, and a deep love for the ocean.
Want to get involved? Stay tuned for more cleanup events and drop-site details coming soon! 🌊♻️
Trash to Treasure: The Journey of Recycled Lead
Pictured here are old, corroded lead fishing weights found on the ocean floor—contrasted against a freshly coated Bright Buoy dive weight. These weights, often lost or discarded, leach toxins into the water and damage fragile marine ecosystems.
As we scoured the reef, we came across countless lead fishing weights, some of which have probably been sitting on the ocean floor for years. Over time, these weights corrode and pollute marine habitats.
Through our recycling initiative, we collect these abandoned weights, melt them down, and give them new life as coated dive weights, designed for performance and sustainability. By retrieving and recycling them, we’re preventing further contamination and ensuring they’re repurposed into safe, sustainable dive gear.
Reclaiming the Ocean, One Dive at a Time
One of the volunteer divers emerges with a lead fishing weight found tangled in the reef. These small yet harmful pieces of trash accumulate over time, harming marine life. Through community-driven cleanup efforts, we collect and recycle these materials, transforming them into high-quality dive equipment that supports a cleaner, healthier ocean.
Bright Buoy’s Role in Ocean Cleanup & Recycling
At Bright Buoy Diving, we believe in a full-circle approach to sustainability. Our lead recycling program takes discarded fishing weights and transforms them into vibrant, coated dive weights—reducing waste and protecting marine ecosystems. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without community support, and soon, we’re expanding our impact by launching a drop-off site in May, where divers can bring in retrieved ocean trash like lead weights and fishing gear for recycling instead of sending it to landfills.
