News
Porpoise colonies delay windfarm plans

Plans to build a 240-turbine offshore windfarm off the coast of North Devon in England could be waylaid by the visible presence of marine mammals, particularly the diminutive harbor porpoise.
The European Commission (EC) has accepted a complaint from conservation group Save Our Marine Mammals in regard to the windfarm, claiming that it will damage colonies of the harbor porpoise in the intended area. Members of the North Devon community have expressed anger over the proposed installment, saying the mammals are highly visible and the windfarm would certainly cause irreparable damage to their habitat and lifestyle.
The environment directorate of the EC has responded with a letter confirming that it will follow up on the complaint, stating, “As a result of our investigations we have now decided to follow this matter up with infringement action…”. A letter has been sent to the UK government outlining concerns about their failure to identify and establish protection for the harbor porpoise at the proposed site.
Source: www.aquaviews.net
Marine Life & Conservation
Raising Awareness for Scuttle the Cuttle – A Global First in Tackling Microplastic Pollution

Addressing the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution, a new innovation is turning the tide—by placing real-world environmental action in the hands of children. Scuttle the Cuttle, a microplastic-collecting tool designed specifically for young users, has been launched as a practical and inspiring way to involve families in beach cleanups.
Crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, Scuttle is a cuttlefish-shaped combination of bucket and sieve. Its engaging design, sustainability credentials, and focus on education make it more than just a toy—it’s a tool for change.
Designed for Impact
Scuttle’s core purpose is to help remove microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—from beaches. With a mesh size of 2.8mm, Scuttle can collect small plastic fragments and nurdles before they degrade further. This addresses a critical but often overlooked part of the plastic pollution problem.
Built for Young Eco-Heroes
Scuttle is ergonomically designed for both children and adults. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, it allows even the youngest users to contribute meaningfully to beach cleanups. Its approachable design turns environmental action into a fun and empowering activity for children and families.
Circular by Design
From production to end-of-life, Scuttle reflects a strong commitment to the circular economy. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and fully recyclable, it is manufactured with long-term use in mind. The product not only removes waste from the environment but also repurposes existing waste in its construction, reducing environmental impact across its lifecycle.
Community and Collaboration
In addition to its environmental function, Scuttle is part of a broader movement to build awareness and encourage local partnerships. It supports responsible sourcing, local collaborations, and community-driven conservation efforts.
Scuttle is now available for purchase and is positioned as the first product of its kind focused specifically on the collection of microplastics through kid-friendly, hands-on cleanup.
For more information about Scuttle the Cuttle, visit odysseyinnovation.com/pages/scuttle.
Marine Life & Conservation
I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys

The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.
This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.
“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”
Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph
The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:
Land & Shore Division:
Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person
DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person
KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person
Private Boat Division:
Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person
Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person
Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person
Dive Operator Division:
Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)
Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)
Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)
Special Awards:
Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)
Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies
Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education
The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.
“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”
Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar
Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.
To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.
Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.
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