Blog posts
The Bright Buoy X Project Hiu Tiger Shark Belt Collab
We wanted to create a product that symbolizes our relationship with the ocean and one of our favorite locals out there in the blue, so we decided to make a Tiger Shark belt. The process was tricky, as printing on belts is a brand new technology, so there were trials and tribulations, but eventually we got designer Emily Fillion's design dialed in and printed on our silicone belts with a patented UV coating that locks in the print and keeps it from as much wear and tear as possible! We decided to support Project Hiu because they represent the sharks in one of the best ways we've seen – supporting a small village and the fishermen they work with – because they represent the preservation of a vast ocean that connects us all. Project Hiu is essential for the lives of sharks, to place a small but significant price on their survival, and also to prevent the trade that fuels their decimation from taking vulnerable ocean communities down with them. "I came across Project Hiu maybe a year ago but I started following the work they were doing... and there were moments where I was watching the content and I was really touched by what they were doing with the local community in Indonesia and how these women were approaching the community with love and changing the culture of fishermen that would kill sharks really working with the community to create programs to help them transition to tourism and provide income for their families through other means to really shift the economy from shark fishing to shark tourism..." – Shannon O'Brien, Bright Buoy
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Diving for a Cause: One Ocean Conservation Cleanup at China Walls
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.
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From Salvaged Sailboats to Sustainable Diving: Our Journey to Eco-friendly Dive Weights
At Bright Buoy Diving, we are committed to sustainability and innovation in our dive weight production. By transitioning to recycled lead as our primary raw material, we’re not only reducing environmental impact but also enhancing the quality of our products. Transition to Recycled Lead for Dive Weights In May, we are relocating our operations from the mainland to Oahu, allowing us to source recycled lead locally. This move supports our mission to create eco-friendly dive weights while strengthening our ties to the Hawaiian community. Local Sources of Recycled Lead Our recycled lead comes from various on-island sources, including: Salvaged Sailboat Keels: Partnering with boat salvage yards across the Hawaiian Islands, we repurpose lead keels from decommissioned sailboats. Recycled Car Batteries: Collaborating with local scrapyards, we extract lead from recycled car batteries, ensuring safe handling and processing. Spent Bullets from Gun Ranges: Working with shooting ranges, we reclaim lead from spent bullets, promoting environmental responsibility. Recovered Fishing Weights: Divers assist in retrieving lost fishing weights from the ocean, which we then recycle into new dive weights. Partnership with Boat Salvage Yards Our collaboration with boat salvage yards is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. The process involves: 1. Keel Extraction: At salvage yards, we carefully remove lead keels from decommissioned sailboats. 2. Transportation: The extracted keels are transported to our Oahu warehouse for processing. 3. Melting and Casting: At our facility, the lead is melted and cast into specific dive weight sizes, ensuring quality and consistency. Bright Buoy Diving is dedicated to merging sustainability with innovation. By sourcing recycled lead locally and involving the community in our recycling efforts, we’re taking significant steps toward a more sustainable future for diving. We invite you to join us in these initiatives, contributing to cleaner oceans and a healthier planet.
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